Jim Hammond dies at 95, tragically deprived of WR dreams

Last September, Minneapolis sprinter Jim Hammond told a local reporter: “I’m going for world records next year,” referring to his goal of setting M95 bests at this summer’s National Senior Olympics in Palo Alto. A widower and legally blind at 94, he seemed to be on his way, as I noted at the time. But I’ve just received the sad news that Jim passed away a month ago. His obituary, which can be seen here, says Jim died unexpectedly May 27 while vacationing at Destin, Florida.  His hometown newspaper said Jim died in his sleep.

Jim Hammond had world-class form for a 94-year-old last year.

The death notice reported:

Looking for a new interest at age 85, he began training as a short distance runner. He successfully competed in the Georgia and Minnesota Senior Olympic Games from 2001 to 2008. In the National Olympic Games, he won a silver medal in 2003; a silver and two gold medals in 2005; and at age 93, in 2007 at Louisville, Kentucky won a silver and five gold medals. He was proudly featured in Readers Digest; several senior fitness magazines; and an ESPN sports documentary.


Jim Hammond’s story, recounted after his death, noted:

As Hammond said in an interview with The Valdosta Daily Times then, and often said afterward, he considered his 80s and 90s some of the “most exciting, fun-filled and most rewarding years of my life.”

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June 28, 2009

One Response

  1. Lisa Wetmore - November 25, 2012

    So I have a summer 2009 issue of discover magazine that features a Jim Hammond, I wonder if its the same. 95 year old athlete. It’s a study on inflammation and aging.. Really good article but I can’t believe they would publish his life in present time in September if he had already died in May?

    Best,
    Lisa

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