One half of the sprinting coin: the oxygen transport cascade of a 91-yr-old female world-record sprinter

Journal of Applied Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Marta Colosio, Andrea M. Pilotto, Massimiliano Ansaldo, Isabell Dobrzycki, Maria Antonietta Pellegrino, Roberto Bottinelli, Rebecca Re, Alberto Botter, Martino V. Franchi, Christopher W. Sundberg, Simone Porcelli
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00279.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 56

Abstract

We report an in vivo and ex vivo characterization of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle oxidative capacity in a 91-yr-old female who holds the W90 + 200-m world record. She exhibited a high muscle oxidative capacity and a muscle fiber profile with large, well-vascularized slow fibers and a relatively high proportion of fast fibers. These findings suggest that components of the oxygen transport and utilization system can be well-preserved into very advanced age in a lifelong sprinter.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiovascular and exercise physiology Sports Performance and Training Mitochondrial Function and Pathology

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Applied Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
140
Issue
6
Pages
1649–1657
Publication date
6 May 2026
Language
EN