As It Happens

101-year-old javelin thrower goes for gold, plans to compete for another decade

Florence Storch will be the oldest competitor at the 2014 Canada 55 Plus Games, when they kick off this week in Strathcona, Alberta. Years ago, when she was just 89 years old, she won a provincial silver in javelin. At 95, she took national gold at the games.Now, at 101, she's going for gold again....
Florence Storch will be the oldest competitor at the 2014 Canada 55 Plus Games, when they kick off this week in Strathcona, Alberta. Years ago, when she was just 89 years old, she won a provincial silver in javelin. At 95, she took national gold at the games.

Now, at 101, she's going for gold again.

The Alberta woman began throwing javelin when she was 85. She practices behind the Hanna Seniors Lodge, and says she will compete as long as she's able. She attributes her continued competitiveness to her rural upbringing.

"I lived on a farm, I had competition from four brothers, and I ate good farm food."

In the interest of safety, her son - who is a 55+ competitor - is asking his mom to keep one hand on her walker when she throws.

"Too many people said I'm too old to do that. I showed them."
CBC Calgary's Danielle Nerman caught up with Florence Storch outside her home in Hannah, Alberta.