Fauja Singh

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Thirty six thousand pairs of feet pound the long stretch of London's black tarmac. An old man can be spotted coming up the rear of the runners, "Waheguru, Waheguru," he whispers under his breath as the spectators cheer him on. His long white beard blows in the wind as he makes his last few strides towards the finishing line. The crowd gasps in wonder, not being able to believe their eyes as they watch the old Sadar in the yellow shirt and bhag. The cry of "bole sone hal" electrifies the air as he crosses the finish line breaking his eighth consecutive world record. "He has done it!" they exclaim, "He has actually done it!" Fauja Singh has finished yet another marathon! Who could have guessed that the one hundred year old Sikh from a humble Indian village background could have achieved such an amazing feat?  

Fauja Singh was born in India on April 1, 1911 and as a child wasn't very athletic. He could not walk until the age of five and only fully mastered it by the age of fifteen. Fauja Singh led an ordinary life of a Punjabi jhat until the age of eighty three when he moved to England. Sitting in front of the TV in his son's London home, he witnessed his first marathon and from that moment he knew that that was what he wanted to do. At the age of eighty seven a new chapter in his life began. With nothing but determination, Fauja Singh set forth to achieve his goal of running marathons. He has now successfully completed over eight marathons and broken numerous world records in his age bracket. He has even been the face of Adidas. However, he has remained humble throughout, donating one hundred percent of any monetary gain he has made through running to various charities.  As a determined and selfless hero, Fauja Singh has continued to run past all obstacles life has thrown at him and despite the potential for fame and fortune, has continued to run only for the greater good of mankind. 

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  "People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to." (George E. Allen) This quote reflects the determination of Fauja Singh for he is no Superman yet, due to his endurance and will to persevere he has been able to achieve outstanding things. Fauja Singh has persevered through many difficulties and hardships throughout his life but has always come out strong and ready to face whatever might come next. "In 1992, the eighty one year old Fauja Singh's beloved wife Gian Kaur passed away. Fauja accepted his wife's death with grace since hers was a well-lived life. However, the unexpected death of his forty year old son two years later left him heartbroken and lonely, wandering the streets of Punjab. Acknowledging that there was nothing left for him in India, he reluctantly joined his other son in England. This is where his life would change forever." (Turbaned Tornado). The death of his son was a devastating occurrence in Fauja Singh's life. However, he was able to stay strong and move ahead in his life. Immigrating to England was the first step in Fauja Singh's new career for this is where, at the age of eighty seven, he was inspired to follow his new dream of running marathons.  "People say you become weaker as you get older but Fauja Singh has proven them wrong." (Wiener Jill).  To put it in his own words "As I get older I get younger." Most people around eighty seven have already retired but not Fauja Singh. He hasn't let his age or anything else for that matter get in his way of pursuing and achieving his dream. Through sheer determination Fauja Singh has truly shown the world that anything is possible with belief and perseverance. Despite all odds against him, Fauja Singh was able to overcome and pursue his desires of becoming a marathon runner.

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Through sheer will power and determination, Fauja Singh has done the seemingly impossible and achieved his goal. He will always be remembered for his compassion, Sikh spirit, and unwillingness to fail. He has touched the hearts of many and created a path in which we should all follow. Fauja's every step has impacted the lives of all the people he has helped through his charities. He is a source of inspiration for generations of runners and non-runners alike. Fauja Singh is truly an inspiring image of the relentless, hardworking, and honest lifestyle we should all strive for. He is an inspiration to all, young and old, to lead a healthy life style and to be the best that you can be. Fauja Singh truly brings out the meaning of his sponsor Adidas' slogan: "Impossible is Nothing". For this man truly nothing is impossible. His amazing achievements have left the world in awe as they try to understand how this incredible man has accomplished such astounding things. No wonder his name means army and lion in Punjabi for he truly shows strength both physically and in character. His determination and selflessness are to be admired. Fauja Singh is nothing short of a hero. 

Translation

Waheguru - one true God

Bole sone hal - Sikh war cry

Jhat - farmer

Sewa - Selfless service to others

Works Cited

"Article Detail." Sikhchic.com | The Art and Culture of the Diaspora. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

"Fauja Singh" - SikhiWiki, Free Sikh Encyclopedia." SikhiWiki. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 5 Dec. 2011

Weiner, Jill. "Late Bloomer's Happy Ending.(Sports Desk)(New York City Marathon 2003)(92-year-old Fauja Singh finishes NYC Marathon in 7 hours 34 minutes)."  The New York Times. (Nov 3, 2003 pF5 col 01 (5 col): F5. Student Resource Center BOB Junior