After competing in the Japan Masters Championships last year, Katsumi Saeki (Japan, b. 3 March 1935) became the world’s oldest competitive cross-country skier (female).
And now, aged 88 years 16 days, Katsumi has extended her record by taking her talents to the world stage, competing in the 2023 Masters World Cup in Austria.
Katsumi was the only skier to enter the over-85 category, however, she achieved faster times in her two events than some of the competitors in lower age categories.
In the 5 km classic-style event, she completed the course in 26 min 18 sec, which was faster than one woman in the 81-85 age category, three women in the 76-80 category, and one woman in the 71-75 category.
In the 5 km freestyle event, Katsumi achieved a time of 29 min 4 sec. This was faster than two women in the 81-85 category and two women in the 76-80 category.
Cross-country skiing, a form of skiing whereby athletes traverse a snow-covered course, has two main methods of racing.
The first is the classic style, a technique in which the competitor’s skis move back and forth in a parallel motion inside grooved tracks of snow.
The other method, freestyle, is usually the faster of the two techniques, with the skier moving their feet from side to side in a manner resembling ice skating more so than classic-style cross-country skiing.
Recognized by the International Ski Federation, the Masters World Cup is the official world championship event in cross-country skiing for skiers aged 30 and above.
Most competitors in the 2023 Masters World Cup were from the USA and various European nations. As one of only two female Japanese skiers to take part in the competition, Katsumi represented her country incredibly well.
Although cross country skiing is less dangerous than downhill skiing, competitors can still be prone to injury. Foot and knee injuries are common, whilst lower back pain is also a concern due to the forward flexed position that skiers must maintain while racing.
As such, it’s unsurprising that Katsumi was the only skier in the over-85 category at the Masters World Cup.
The ability to continue participating at her grand old age is a testament to her enduring physical health and immense core body strength.
With the next Masters World Cup due to be held in Finland in February 2024, we’re optimistic that Katsumi will be able to compete and extend her record again.
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