Erwin Jaskulski

Erwin Jaskulski (September 24, 1902 – March 10, 2006) was a Ukrainian-American track athlete. Born in Chernivtsi, he was a Honolulu resident from 1954 until his death.^[1]

Biography

For a period, Jaskulski was the world record holder for the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters in the 95- to 99-year-old and the 100-plus age groups.^[1] However, the record for 100 meter for 100 plus age group, which he set on November 16, 2002 at 36.19 seconds, was later broken by Philip Rabinowitz who finished in a time of 30.86 seconds.^[2] According to fitness guru and friend Gilad Janklowicz, Jaskulski was a fan of classical music and his philosophy was "to be happy and joyful in life."^[1]

A retired accountant, Jaskulski worked as a controller at KHON-TV.^[3] He trained by doing chin ups and running down the hallways of his apartment building.^[3] With failing eyesight, he was forced to stop the workouts shortly before his death.^[3]

He never gave an interview in his life.^[2] Both Jay Leno and David Letterman asked him to be on their shows but he turned the idea down.^[2]

Jaskulski died on March 10, 2006 aged 103.^[1] Survivors include two sons living in Austria.^[1]

Ha has suffered a few injuries such as in 2002, when set a world record, a cracked rib, 10 stitches in the arm, and injuries to both knees.

References