This 92-year-old grandmother is never going to act her age. Johanna Quaas was born in 1925 in Saxony, Germany, when the country was still known as the Weimar Republic. She also happens to hold the Guiness World Record for “oldest gymnast” and Quaas still includes a headstand in her floor routine.
The indomitable Quass started out in gymnastics at the age of 9, but quit when she was needed on the farm during WWII. Later, she switched to handball and won the Eastern German championship in 1954. But after raising three children, she returned to gymnastics as an instructor and then as a competitor at age 56.
“I do gymnastics to avoid being susceptible to falls and that is a good preventive tool,” Quaas says, noting she also keeps youthful with plenty of naps and a mostly-vegetarian diet. She also enjoys hiking, swimming and dancing.
"If you are fit, it is easier to master life," Ms Quaas proclaims. This is her message to older people as she gives demonstrations and participates in competitions around the world.
In her signature green, crushed-velvet leotard, Quass wants to continue competing until she can’t.
“My face is old but my heart is young,” she says. “Maybe the day I stop doing gymnastics is the day I die.”
Sources
“‘My face is old but my heart is young’: World’s oldest gymnast still has moves at 91,” Washington Post.
“You're never too old to roll, says 92-year-old gymnast,” The Straits Times.
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