A hit-and-run in India has led to the untimely death of Fauja Singh, revered as the world’s oldest marathon runner, prompting an arrest of the driver involved.
Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of Fauja Singh, World's 'Oldest' Marathon Runner
Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of Fauja Singh, World's 'Oldest' Marathon Runner
A tragic incident claims the life of Fauja Singh, a celebrated marathon runner at 114 years old.
On Monday, an arrest was made by Indian authorities in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner. Police identified the suspect as Amritpal Singh Dhillon, who allegedly collided with the 114-year-old British-Indian runner while driving a speeding SUV. Unfortunately, Singh was critically injured and succumbed shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The unfortunate event unfolded in Punjab, where Singh was taking his customary afternoon walk in proximity to his birthplace in Beas Pind, not far from Jalandhar. Singh, commonly regarded as a global cultural icon, was renowned for his extraordinary marathon achievements, completing races in several age categories, even after turning 100. Remarkably, he began running at the age of 89 and recorded nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013 before his retirement.
Local authorities have recovered a white SUV believed to be involved in the hit-and-run, which occurred as Singh was crossing the road. Eyewitnesses took him to the hospital, but police reports suggest that his life might have been spared if Singh had received immediate medical attention from Dhillon.
Fauja Singh famously made history in 2011 by becoming the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in Toronto, and he had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch at the 2012 London Games. Despite his seemingly unparalleled achievements, Guinness World Records has not officially recognized him as the oldest marathon runner due to a lack of appropriate documentation verifying his birth year. Although Singh possessed a British passport indicating his birth date as April 1, 1911, officials maintain that they require formal proof from the year of his birth.
In June, BBC Punjabi held a heartfelt meeting with Singh at his ancestral home in Beas, where he candidly recounted his earlier life. Overcoming societal taunts for having weak legs as a child, he did not begin running until much later due to personal tragedies that occurred in the early 1990s, including the deaths of both his wife and son. Following these losses, Singh moved to London and connected with a group of runners who inspired his late-blooming athletic pursuit.
His journey to fame was further solidified when Adidas featured him in their 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside other sports legends such as Muhammad Ali. As tributes pour in from around the world, Singh’s running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, announced that forthcoming events in Ilford, where he had lived since 1992, will honor his remarkable life and accomplishments.
Fauja Singh's inspiring story continues to resonate, showcasing not just an extraordinary athletic career but a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The unfortunate event unfolded in Punjab, where Singh was taking his customary afternoon walk in proximity to his birthplace in Beas Pind, not far from Jalandhar. Singh, commonly regarded as a global cultural icon, was renowned for his extraordinary marathon achievements, completing races in several age categories, even after turning 100. Remarkably, he began running at the age of 89 and recorded nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013 before his retirement.
Local authorities have recovered a white SUV believed to be involved in the hit-and-run, which occurred as Singh was crossing the road. Eyewitnesses took him to the hospital, but police reports suggest that his life might have been spared if Singh had received immediate medical attention from Dhillon.
Fauja Singh famously made history in 2011 by becoming the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in Toronto, and he had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch at the 2012 London Games. Despite his seemingly unparalleled achievements, Guinness World Records has not officially recognized him as the oldest marathon runner due to a lack of appropriate documentation verifying his birth year. Although Singh possessed a British passport indicating his birth date as April 1, 1911, officials maintain that they require formal proof from the year of his birth.
In June, BBC Punjabi held a heartfelt meeting with Singh at his ancestral home in Beas, where he candidly recounted his earlier life. Overcoming societal taunts for having weak legs as a child, he did not begin running until much later due to personal tragedies that occurred in the early 1990s, including the deaths of both his wife and son. Following these losses, Singh moved to London and connected with a group of runners who inspired his late-blooming athletic pursuit.
His journey to fame was further solidified when Adidas featured him in their 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside other sports legends such as Muhammad Ali. As tributes pour in from around the world, Singh’s running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, announced that forthcoming events in Ilford, where he had lived since 1992, will honor his remarkable life and accomplishments.
Fauja Singh's inspiring story continues to resonate, showcasing not just an extraordinary athletic career but a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
