91-year-old track and field world record holder continues to compete
Flo Meiler of Shelburne started track and field events at age 60 and still competes
SHELBURNE, Vt. (Aging Untold) — Flo Meiler began competing in track and field at age 60. She is now 91 and holds two world records, in the pole vault and triple jump.
Medals fill Meiler’s home in Shelburne. Most are gold, and a few are silver.
How she started
Meiler began competing at 60 when her friend Barbara Jordan convinced her to try the long jump at the Vermont Senior Games, and Meiler was hooked.
Jordan died a decade ago.
“I miss her so much,” Meiler said.
Still competing at 91
Meiler continues to compete.
“I’m sad that I can’t jump like I used to, but I really enjoy it,” she said.
Meiler said it lifts her up when other athletes approach her and tell her she inspires them.
“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,’” she said. “That’s a wonderful feeling.”
Inspiring others
One of the people Meiler has inspired is University of Vermont freshman Jason Lei.
“I want to be moving like you when I’m older as well,” he told Meiler.
“It makes me feel like 60 again,” she said with a smile.
Meiler has also inspired Gene Meiler, her husband of 65 years.
“She’s impressed me, that’s for sure,” Gene Meiler said. “That’s why I married her. She impressed me.”
Flo Meiler said she is happy to continue running the track. When she feels like she is slowing down, she adds a few more exercises.
“I’m very happy,” Flo Meiler said. “The good Lord has given me my health and my talent.”
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