Spanish master athlete Manuel Alonso has once again defied the limits of age and endurance, producing a remarkable double world-record performance at the age of 90. For Alonso, running is far more than a competitive pursuit—it has become a way of life, a source of emotional resilience, and, in his own words, a lifeline after retirement from professional working life.
Speaking in a 2021 interview on the Spanish radio programme Ingrávidos, Alonso reflected on the transformative role of sport in his life. He revealed that after long, exhausting shifts working in a factory, he would often return home mentally drained and vulnerable to despair. Running, he said, rescued him from that emotional decline and gave him renewed purpose.
That enduring passion has now translated into extraordinary sporting success on the European stage. Competing at the European Masters Athletics Championships held in Toruń, Poland, Alonso produced a sensational double victory in the men’s +90 category, claiming gold medals in both the 800 metres and 1500 metres events while also setting two new world records.
His first record-breaking performance came in the 800 metres, where he clocked an astonishing 3:34.22 to secure gold. This effort surpassed the previous world record of 3:42.52, set in 2019 by Canadian athlete Earl Fee, marking a significant improvement in the category.
Two days later, Alonso returned to the track for the 1500 metres final, delivering another exceptional performance. He completed the race in 7:00.81, taking gold once again and shattering the previous world record of 7:55.12 held by Mongolia’s Radnaa Sereen. The margin of improvement underlined not only his consistency but also his exceptional conditioning at an age when most athletes have long retired from competitive sport.
World Record Performances
| Event | Time Achieved | Previous Record | Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 metres (+90 category) | 3:34.22 | 3:42.52 | Earl Fee (Canada) |
| 1500 metres (+90 category) | 7:00.81 | 7:55.12 | Radnaa Sereen (Mongolia) |
Alonso’s achievements formed part of an outstanding campaign for Spain at the championships. The Spanish team secured a total of 121 medals, including 32 gold, 48 silver, and 41 bronze, placing them fourth in the overall medal standings. They finished behind Germany, who dominated the table with 296 medals, followed by Poland with 222, and Great Britain with 189.
In addition to Alonso’s records, Spanish athletes collectively set 20 national records and three world records during the competition, highlighting the depth and strength of their masters athletics programme.
Alonso’s story stands out not only for its statistical brilliance but also for its human dimension. His journey from industrial labourer to world-record-holding nonagenarian athlete embodies resilience, discipline, and the enduring power of sport to transform lives at any age.