This inspiring and refreshing new look at today's elderly is the brainchild of German documentarian Jan Tenhaven. He follows five senior veteran athletes, between the ages of 82 to 100, as they train for the 2009 track and field World Masters Athletic Championships in Lahti, Finland.
These extraordinary athletes know of no obstacles and are determined to live life to the fullest. Too young to sit in a rocking chair is the amazing 100 years old Alfred Proksch, a discus thrower from Vienna as well as an avid nude painter. Proksch undergoes knee surgery six month before the finals in Finland. Set on winning the gold medal is the 93 years old sprinter Herbert Liedtke from Stockholm, training for the 100 meter dash. Palpable is the fierce competitive spirit he displays towards the Italian 90 year old challenger, the jaw dropper Ugo Sansonetti. Trying to break the world record is Ilse Pleuger, the 85 years old shot putter from Kiel, Germany. Likewise is the 82 years old high jumper from the Czech Republic Jiří Soukup who aims to reach the one meter mark. Keeping her age a secret is the glamorous Gabre Gabric, a discus thrower from Italy who hopes to break 13 meters.
Tenhaven's candid, well balanced, and somewhat humorous interviews reveal the profiled athletes' personal challenges, determination, and positive outlook on life. Recognizing that they compete in a race against time, these athletes are proof that with age come new opportunities and that it is never too late to live one's dreams.
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