Key Takeaways
- At 91 years old, Florence Meiler holds world records across six track-and-field disciplines in the 90 to 94 division after beginning the sport at age 60.
- Meiler credits her late training partner Barbara Jordan for motivating her to keep going: “I put Barb into my mind, and I’ve got to do this for Barb and I’ve got to do this for the state of Vermont.”
- Her guiding message to fellow senior citizens looking to try new sports or activities is simple: “Never too late.”
A lifelong athletic journey inspired by friendship
Florence Meiler took up track and field at the age of 60 when her best friend encouraged her to give the sport a try. More than three decades later, the 91-year-old athlete from Shelburne, Vermont, continues to compete at the highest level of masters athletics, rewriting world records in her age division.
For two decades, Meiler trained alongside her close friend Barbara Jordan, pushing each other to achieve remarkable results across various track and field disciplines.
“Training together was fantastic because we would challenge each other and we would criticize each other,” Meiler recalled about their time preparing for competitions.
The partnership ended when Jordan was diagnosed with cancer a decade ago, forcing her to withdraw from athletics before passing away in 2020 at the age of 85. Despite the profound personal loss, Meiler found the resolve to keep stepping onto the track in her friend’s memory.
“I miss her so much,” she shared when reflecting on Jordan’s absence.
Meiler acknowledged that maintaining such rigorous routines without her longtime partner presents constant hurdles.
“It’s really a struggle for me to train by myself. It is a real struggle, but I have a determination, and I put Barb into my mind, and I’ve got to do this for Barb and I’ve got to do this for the state of Vermont,” Meiler explained.
Global records in the 90-94 age category
That persistent dedication has translated into an extraordinary list of accomplishments. According to World Masters Athletics, Meiler currently holds global records in six different events within the 90 to 94 division.
| Event | Record Mark |
|---|---|
| 2,000-meter steeplechase | 20:54.78 |
| 80-meter hurdles | 34.55 |
| Pole vault | 1.30 |
| High jump | 0.92 |
| Triple jump | 4.55 |
| Pentathlon | 2218 |
Her performances across hurdles, jumps, and multi-event contests have earned admiration from fellow competitors across the sporting world.
“I really feel really warm inside because I’ve had so many athletes come up to me and say, ‘What an inspiration you have been to me.’ That’s a wonderful feeling,” Meiler said.
Whenever she speaks to other seniors about staying active and embracing new challenges, she offers a guiding philosophy captured in three succinct words.
Her enduring motto remains simple: “Never too late.”
