JAPAN.- When there is will and passion, age isn't an obstacle for anything, in this case exercising. A clear example of it is Mieko Nagaoka, a Japanese athlete who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, by being the first person of her age to break the swimming world record of 1,500 meters freestyle in a semi-olympic pool.

This achievement was registered at Ehime Prefectura, Japan, with a timing of 15 minutes and 54 seconds, it is expected that this makes it into the Guiness Book of World Records.

One would think that Nagaoka has spent her whole life swimming, but surprisingly she hasn't. Mieko started swimming at age 80, when doctors recommended this sport as therapy for her knee. Twenty years later, Nagaoka shows an enthusiasm for swimming like no other, saying that unless she dies she will not stop doing it.

"If I get to live until then, I would like to swim until I'm 105" revealed the swimmer after breaking the record.

Today on Sports for Development and Peace International Day we invite you to share the stories and experiences that have motivated you to pursue a sport, and for those who have yet to discover your sporting potential it's never too late to start, Nagaoka is proof of it. Let's start exercising!

With information from CNN and López Dóriga

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