Flo Meiler Maintains Pole Vault and Triple Jump World Records at Age 91

Flo Meiler holds two world records in the 91-year-old age category: the pole vault and the triple jump. She resides in Shelburne, Vermont, where her home is filled with medals, the majority of which are gold.

Meiler did not begin competing until age 60. Her friend Barbara Jordan convinced her to try the long jump at the Vermont Senior Games. Jordan passed away ten years ago, but Meiler said she misses her deeply.

Meiler continues to compete despite acknowledging that her jumps are not as high as they were in previous years. She said, "I'm sad that I can't jump like I used to, but I really enjoy it." When younger athletes approach her to express that she is an inspiration, she described the feeling as warm.

Jason Lei, a freshman at the University of Vermont, cited Meiler as a role model. He told her, "I want to be moving like you when I'm older as well." Meiler responded that such comments make her feel like she is 60 again.

Gene Meiler, Flo's husband of 65 years, said he married her because she impressed him. Flo Meiler said she is happy to keep running the track. If she notices her slowing down, she adds extra exercises to maintain her form. She stated, "The good Lord has given me my health and my talent."

Meiler's competitive journey started in her sixties and has spanned three decades. She remains active in the track and field community in Vermont, continuing to set standards in her age group.