Last Sunday, Rosa Mota broke the half marathon world record for athletes between 65 and 69 years old. In the race held in Riga, Latvia, the Portuguese Olympic champion covered 21,097 kilometers in 1:26:06 hours.
With 21,097 kilometers in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 6 seconds, Rosa Mota surpassed the Swiss Emmi Luthi with a difference of 6 minutes.
Contacted by TSFRosa Mota says she is happy, not only for the achievement, but for the possibility of being able to run in a popular race, also mentioning the existence of Portuguese in the race.
“The idea of the International Athletics Federation, which I think is very good, is to allow people who like to run and are passionate about road racing to participate in a world event (…). I was not the only one Portuguese person to participate (…) There were several Portuguese people there who told me ‘we also wanted to be present at the first road world championship’. It is a way to interact remotely with elite athletes,” said the athlete.
Regarding the secret of longevity, Rosa Mota highlights the importance of exercising, not only on a physical level, but also on a mental level.
“I continue to work hard to encourage the Portuguese to do the same, for their physical and mental health. Physical exercise helps people combat daily stress. I just stop trying to get people to follow my example, not competitive, but exercise daily,” said the athlete.
Rosa Mota also stated that she was “very happy” with her performance in Latvia.
Source: TSF
