Impossible Is Nothing Fauja Singh Inspires At 100

I am a proponent of aspiring to be a better person, having life role models and learning lessons from prolific books, like the Alchemist. As noted in the Alchemist, if you really want something to happen then the whole universe transpires to make it work for you. Nothing is impossible if it is truly meant to be. So with that gumption if you must, in the last few years, when you hear the name Fauja Singh most likely you break out into a paroxysm of delight. Well to add to that frenzy, on April 1st, 2011, Fauja Singh, the world’s famous Sikh marathon runner turned 100. Singh epitomizes the proverbial saying that ‘anything is possible’. According to strategic expert, John Maxwell, “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
This bodes well for Fauja Singh, who was a simple farmer in Bias Pind in Punjab. After losing his wife and one son to premature deaths, Singh moved to Ilford, United Kingdom to live with his other son. Bored with nothing to fill his time and only able to speak Punjabi, Singh remembered his youth when he was the fastest runner amongst his chums. Rather than thinking that age 89 was too old to become a runner, he decided to try just one marathon. In 2000, Singh ran his first marathon and completed it in 6 hours 54 minutes. He didn’t just stop there, since 2000 he has run in over 10 marathons, and has broken 12 UK, European, Commonwealth, and World Records. He has set world senior records for the 400 meters, 800m, 1 mile, and 3000m.
When asked about what it all means to him, he responded that he loves what he is doing and if his happiness running helps to raise money for BLISS (a charity that helps premature babies) then that is all that matters. He further noted there is something rewarding about someone so old helping someone so young. In 2010, Singh became a poster boy with the likes of football sensation David Beckham; boxing legend Muhammad Ali; and cricket’s biggest name, Sachin Tendulkar for Adidas’s campaign, ‘Impossible is Nothing’. Along with ad campaigns, Adidas designed a Fauja Singh running shoe.
Singh’s passion for running has ignited a healthy, active lifestyle for fellow Sikh seniors and locals are joining him on the track for 8-mile walks and runs.The senior attributes his active lifestyle partly to what he consumes. As a senior, he eats very little and does not drink any caffeinated products. The healthy diet he eats includes roti, ginger –infused dhals, green vegetables, yoghurt, and milk. Moreover, as an athlete he drinks tons of water. He ardently refuses fatty foods like parathas and pakoras and rice is a big no-no.
Along with already having dined with Queen and being requisitioned to participate in a Lahore marathon, Singh confirmed to DARPAN that the 2012, London Olympics have designated a torch bearing role for the athlete. He noted that if he is healthy, he would proudly participate in the event. Before then however, Fauja Singh will make his debut at the 2011 New York City Marathon in November. The NYC marathon organizers have earmarked $100,000 for Singh to participate – he has already stated he will designate the funds to helping more premature babies. His advice to everyone, “smile a lot, be active, eat healthy, and do something you are passionate about.” Happy 100 Fauja Singh!