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From marathons to medals: ‘Sikh Superman’ Fauja Singh's legacy of grit and glory | In pics

Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner, who defied age and expectations to become a global icon of endurance and resilience, passed away at 114. From setting world records in his 90s to featuring in international campaigns, his extraordinary journey inspired millions across generations.

| July 15, 2025 / 13:05 IST
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Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab, Fauja Singh couldn’t walk until age 5. He took up long-distance running seriously only in his late 80s, proving it’s never too late to begin. (AFP file photo//Hong Kong Marathon, February 2013)
Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab, Fauja Singh couldn’t walk until age 5. He took up long-distance running seriously only in his late 80s, proving it’s never too late to begin. (AFP file photo//Hong Kong Marathon, February 2013)
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After moving to the UK in the 1990s, British Indian Singh, also known as Turbaned Torpedo, ran his first marathon — the London Marathon in 2000, at the age of 89, sparking a global wave of admiration.(AFP file photo//Flora London Marathon, seen alongside David Bedford, April 2004)
After moving to the UK in the 1990s, British Indian Singh, also known as Turbaned Torpedo, ran his first marathon, the London Marathon in 2000, at the age of 89, sparking a global wave of admiration. (AFP file photo//Flora London Marathon, seen alongside David Bedford, April 2004)
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Fauja Singh broke multiple world records in the 100+ age group, including in events from 100 metres to 5,000 metres, and ran his final race at age 101 in Hong Kong in 2013. (AFP file photo//Hong Kong Marathon 2012)
Fauja Singh broke multiple world records in the 100+ age group, including in events from 100 metres to 5,000 metres, and ran his final race at age 101 in Hong Kong in 2013. (AFP file photo//Hong Kong Marathon 2012)
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He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honour in 2003 and was the first non-American to do so. He also featured in global campaigns, including one with David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. (AFP file photo//Mumbai Marathon February 2013)
He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honour in 2003 and was the first non-American to do so. He also featured in global campaigns, including one with David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. (AFP file photo//Mumbai Marathon February 2013)
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Singh was the first non-American to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour in 2003. In 2011, he was conferred the Pride of India award for his remarkable achievements.
Singh was the first non-American to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour in 2003. In 2011, he was conferred the Pride of India award for his remarkable achievements.
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The centenarian runner has also featured in a PETA campaign as its oldest ambassador and appeared in a global sportswear advertisement alongside icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
The centenarian runner has also featured in a PETA campaign as its oldest ambassador and appeared in a global sportswear advertisement alongside icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.

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