“Exercise is not a luxury. It is the key to healthy ageing.” Olga Kotelko (1919-2014) World record holder – Masters’ athletics

In the world of competitive athletics once you reach 35 you become classed as a ‘Veteran’ or ‘Masters’ athlete and to ensure you are competing against people your own age there are separate age categories that start and end every five years. This charming documentary is about the friendship and purpose to be found in Master’s athletics, a place where every five years, getting older means becoming the youngest competitor.

Following a group of athletes in their 60s, 70s and 80s over the course of a year as they prepare to compete in master’s competitions we meet Dorothy (85), who loves the camaraderie of her gang (as she calls them), Joylyn, (69) hopes to keep going into her 80s and 90s and Sue, (69), who tells us that pole vaulting has helped her cope with cancer, twice and Noel (74), who loves the technical challenge of race walking. For all of them, training and competing in Master’s athletics is about being part of a supportive community, achieving personal goals and living a purposeful life full of adventures and fun.

In doing so, these women show energy, joyful determination, and fulfilment in older age, offering a powerful antidote to lazy stereotypes around ageing.

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