Argentine grandpa turned athlete at 95 and today at 99 inspires a lot of people

Do you think it is too late to return or start any physical activity? Are you the type who lives finding excuse for everything? Do you use a lift from ground floor to first floor and drive to the corner bakery? So you may need to know the history of Argentine Jose Lorenzo Escobar, who, at age 99, is the oldest athlete in the World Athletics Master Championship, which took place between the 17th and 28th of this month in Porto Alegre.

Escobar inspires a lot of people and that's why we decided to tell his story. Before you defend yourself by saying that he must be a long-time athlete, be aware that the athlete started running four years ago when he was 95 years old.

When he was widowed in 1989, Escobar devoted himself to taking care of his ten children and since then he had never done any kind of physical activity again. In 2009, however, he had to deal with the death of one of his daughters and it was in the race that he found the solace he needed.

Therapy

The family supported his father and accompanied him in tournaments in which he participated. One of his sons, already an athlete, was so thrilled when he learned of his father's first race that he had a heart attack and died. Even with the pain of one more loss, Escobar continued to struggle to reach his goals.

His victories soon began to arrive and, in 2010, he won his first prize in Chile in a South American championship. In the same year, he was classified as a three-time national champion in Argentina. Fortunately, Escobar has government financial help to cover travel expenses.

In Brazil, in Porto Alegre, Escobar came with two children. Participant of the 100 meters shallow mode, he made the course in 42s29 seconds. Asked about his lifestyle habits, Escobar says he maintains a garden where he grows carrots and peppers, likes to cook at home, always runs, does not smoke and maintains a healthy diet. The only thing that does not leave, says smiling, is the red wine.

So, how about leaving complaints aside and giving a different direction to your life? Here's one more thing your Escobar teaches us: It's never too late.