At 102 years old, Sardar Atter Singh Sekhon carries a life story that stretches across continents, eras, and generations, beginning in a small village in pre-partition Punjab and continuing onto international athletics tracks in Canada. He was born in 1923 in Chak 528 GB Manupur, Tehsil Samundri, District Lyallpur (now Faisalabad District), Punjab, Pakistan, where running was not a sport but part of everyday childhood.
He recalls early moments shaped by playful challenges among children in the village, often led by his older brother, encouraging other children to race with his younger brother, turning running into something natural and playful rather than a structured sport.
His early life was later reshaped by the upheaval of the Partition of India. From 1947 onwards, he resettled in Chak Muafi, Khanna, Ludhiana District, Punjab, India, after being displaced during the Partition. Those years were defined by rebuilding life from uncertainty and carrying forward identity through immense change. Despite hardship, he maintained an early connection to physical activity and running, later finding deeper inspiration in Milkha Singh, whose journey reinforced his belief that discipline and spirit matter more than circumstance.
In 1988, at the age of 64, Sekhon immigrated to Canada and eventually settled in Toronto’s Rexdale community. In his 70s, he began exercising more seriously to maintain his health. Competitive athletics came much later, beginning around 2017 when he was nearly 94 years old. From that point, he gradually entered the world of masters’ sport and built one of the most remarkable late-life athletic careers in Canada. Sekhon mentions, “I am deeply grateful to my nephew, Colonel Harnek Singh Toor in British Columbia, who introduced me to masters athletics and inspired, guided, and supported me throughout this journey.”
Today, he competes in the 100-104 age category, a rare division. His performances continue to draw attention. At the 2026 Canadian Masters Indoor Championships in Toronto, he won four events over two days: the 50 meters in 33.12 seconds, the 60 meters, the 200 meters, and the shot put with a throw of 1.90 meters. Competing at the Toronto Track and Field Centre, he completed what is effectively a multi-event challenge at an age where most athletes have long retired from sport entirely.
His son, Joginder Singh Sekhon, describes his father’s physical and mental strength in simple terms. “The body may be aging, but his drive has not diminished,” he notes, explaining that despite physical limitations, his determination remains intact. That image has come to define how those around him understand his endurance, an aging frame powered by an unwavering spirit.
Joginder also emphasizes that his father’s influence extends far beyond athletics. “It is our privilege, it is our honor. Our father is not just an athlete, but is blessed by the Almighty,” he emphasizes. He describes a life deeply rooted in spirituality and service, where Gurbani remains central. Sekhon has also contributed to supporting individuals beyond sport, including efforts to assist those facing hardship and addiction.
Despite his accomplishments, Sekhon’s approach to training has never been structured in a conventional sense. “Diet and exercise, I don’t have. I have God,” he reflects. He recalls a childhood where nutrition and comfort were not always guaranteed. “I used to think, in my younger years, that if I had received the right support, I might have stood on victory podiums earlier in life,” he adds. “In a way, that dream has come true now.”
Independence is another defining trait. Even at over 100 years old, Sekhon insists on doing most things himself. His son laughs when describing how firm this belief is in daily life. “He always says, ‘Don’t touch me,’” Joginder jokingly shares. “Even on the stairs or when getting up, he feels insulted if someone tries to help him. It does not matter who it is; he wants to do it himself. It is quite remarkable at this age.”
Over the years, Sekhon has competed across Ontario, national Canadian championships, and international masters events in more than 30 countries under World Masters Athletics competitions, including North, Central American, and Caribbean Masters Athletics. He has earned nearly ten gold medals and competed in both sprinting and throwing disciplines. In the throws pentathlon, which includes hammer, discus, shot put, javelin, and weight throw, he has set Canadian masters records in the 95+ category, and has also competed in long jump events in Edmonton, showcasing rare versatility across disciplines.
His perspective on life remains deeply philosophical. He believes life after 45 should be seen as a celebration rather than a decline, and continues to live accordingly. He often speaks about oneness beyond religion or nationality, expressing gratitude toward humanity as a whole and emphasizing values over division. Even now, he travels independently, continues to compete, and remains active in community life. Beyond sport, he also supports international students facing hardship through a personal fund.
At 102, Sekhon’s journey is not just a record of movement across geography, but a life shaped by resilience, reinvention, and purpose. He expresses, “I convey my deep gratitude, magnanimously, to all those who have inspired, encouraged, guided, supported, and even applauded me throughout my journey of over a century. I wish and pray for a peaceful and loving humanity.”
Undoubtedly, the message remains unwavering: age does not define ability; discipline, belief, and inner strength do.
