At 70 years old, Wendy Alexis goes beyond typical health goals by not only aspiring to play with her grandkids but also challenging and outpacing rivals of the same age, occasionally emerging victorious. Alexis achieved remarkable feats this year, including clocking a swift 14.64-second time in the 100-meter dash for women aged 70 at the 2025 Ottawa Summer Twilight #8 event in June. These achievements have positioned Alexis, a mother of two with two grandchildren and one more on the way, as the fastest 70-year-old female sprinter globally.
Expressing her passion for competition, Alexis emphasized her joy in surpassing others and the liberating feeling of setting records, attributing her motivation to a sense of absolute freedom reminiscent of her carefree eight-year-old self. Despite facing setbacks earlier in her career due to a significant injury and subsequent surgery at 19, Alexis resumed sprinting in her fifties after a three-decade hiatus following a chance encounter at a track event where she initially intended to participate for a single race.
Over the past two decades, Alexis has dedicated approximately 25 hours per week to rigorous training, encompassing track workouts, weight training, and aquatic exercises, likening her athletic commitment to a part-time job essential for preserving muscle mass and speed in older age. Collaborating with a physiotherapist regularly, Alexis emphasized the collective effort involved in her success, acknowledging the vital role of various components in her training regimen.
When asked about advice for individuals allowing age to hinder their aspirations, Alexis encouraged a proactive approach, stressing the importance of making necessary adjustments while maintaining a steadfast drive towards achieving goals, drawing inspiration from a supportive community of fellow track enthusiasts within her age bracket. Undeterred by past challenges, Alexis views her return to sprinting as a second chance to fulfill her athletic potential and defy the constraints of aging, expressing a profound love for running and a steadfast commitment to continuing her pursuit indefinitely.