Bhubaneswar : At 90 years old, Dr. Alan Poisner stunned the world by winning gold in the 3,000-meter walk at the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Florida—without a coach or any support team. Poisner, who competes in the 90–94 age division, was the only entrant in his age bracket, yet he still outpaced the silver medalist from the younger 85–89 group.
Poisner’s story isn’t a brief flash of luck; it’s a legacy of four decades in competitive racewalking. Inspired by Olympian Debbi Lawrence, he joined the Heartland Racewalkers in Kansas City at age 50 and has competed all over the world, racking up gold medals at state and national senior games, plus gold at previous World Masters Championships.
Key facts:
Poisner logs roughly 28 miles a week to prepare for events, and he’s gearing up for the National Senior Games in Des Moines this July.
Even though racewalking events are often lonely for those in the oldest groups, Poisner regularly sets age-group records and beats younger competitors in major meets.
His usual training is entirely self-directed—he has no professional coaching or extensive team behind him, proving that longevity and passion can overcome limited resources.
Poisner also shares guidance for older adults wanting to stay active: start slow, increase distance and pace gradually (no more than 10% per week), and keep it fun to stay motivated and injury-free. He warns against rushing (“injuries can kill motivation”), and practices mindful walking, choosing not to use headphones so he can remain aware of his surroundings and focus on form.
His words—and achievements—deliver a straightforward message: age does not have to limit ambition or performance. Dr. Alan Poisner’s gold-medal walk at 90 is evidence that discipline, enjoyment, and smart habits can keep anyone, at any age, at the top of their game.
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