In his 60s, Aki Johnson was forced into early retirement due to joint and bone pain that kept him bedridden.
One day the doctor told him that he should start exercising.
Today, aged 80, Aki has earned more than 300 championship medals in athletics.
I will now run my first race in Lidingö and try to break the record for the Swedish marathon this fall, says Åke Jonson.
In this year’s list of the best men’s 3000m hurdles, one name stands out. Aki Johnson, born 1942. With a time of 17.17.77, he broke a new Swedish record for men over 80 years old.
“I had to step back a bit because I was going to run the 2,000-meter hurdles almost immediately,” says Aki Johnson.
The 80-year-old from Malmö competes in all disciplines of athletics. He had over 300 medals in the tournament but a few years ago everything looked very different.
Aki was forced into early retirement from his job as a mechanical engineer. He suffered from arthritis (joint problems) and osteoporosis. For several years he was on painkillers but could still be made to stay in bed on certain days. When he was sent to the pain center in Lund, everything changed.
never exercise
– The doctor said: “You have to start training.” I said everything hurts so much. But she thought I should start with cycling.
It must be added to the story that Aki never trained and was not interested in sports either.
– I belong to the part of the population that did not take part in a football match, says Aki.
Cycling didn’t hurt as much as anything else so he could keep it up. At the age of 69, he scored in his first fitness race and the rest is history.
Aki joined the Malmö General Sports Federation and started competing. Today, he has won over 300 championship medals in various athletic disciplines.
I taught myself pole vaulting
Hurdles, long runs and pole vaults are favorite disciplines.
– I had to learn the staff myself. You have signed up for a competition in 10 events and then you have to pole vault.
Åke competes in all disciplines of athletics. For logistical reasons, it may be difficult to participate in all branches in the same competition, but then take as many as possible. This year’s medal crop is good so far. Six gold medals in EC Indoor Veterans, three outdoors, 20 gold and 20 gold at Scania local championships.
– I only compete in tournaments, but this year I’m going to try something new. I’ll run in my first Lidingö and then try to break the Swedish marathon record in Maspalomas this fall.
What is your secret?
– I think I remained without injuries. I always warm up my joints for a few minutes in the garage before training. Then I slowly ran two kilometers before I started. I train every two days and never skip a session!
Ike’s training journey began after the age of 60, when he could barely walk. For those who find it difficult to start training, he has some simple tips.
Consider it a game and try to enjoy it. There are a lot of people who find it very difficult when they start training. It’s best to start slowly and it will be fun after a while. My last tip is to buy good shoes to avoid unnecessary injuries.
