At 101 years, Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu proved that age is just a number by winning three gold medals at the World Masters Athletic Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sriramulu, a retired Navy Commander, won gold medals in the Javelin Throw, Discus Throw, and Shot Put at the Championships in the 100-year category.
Sriramulu, who hails from Vizag in Andhra Pradesh, served as a sailor on INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, specializing in Navigation and Radar.
He also won one gold and two silver medals at the 2011 World Masters Athletic Championships held in Sacramento, USA.
So far, India has won five medals – four gold and one bronze. Three of the gold medals were secured by Sriramulu, with the fourth gold coming from the 4×100 metres relay in the men’s 85-year category.
The bronze medal was won by Y. Koteswaramma, an athlete from Andhra Pradesh who specializes in women’s Hammer Throw.
The 25th edition of the World Masters Athletic Championships is currently taking place in Sweden. It has started on August 13 and will conclude on August 25.
India sent a strong contingent of 140 athletes across various age categories to participate in the championship.