Local centenarian wins multiple gold medals at Senior Olympics

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KTVU) -- A 100-year-old Santa Clara man is a world class athlete.  He set five records in the Senior Olympics held in San Diego on Sunday.

Don Pellman is back home and spoke with KTVU about his accomplishments. He was the oldest athlete to compete and set new records for the 100 plus age group.

It was no small feat given his age and weather conditions with temperatures nearing 100.

"That's pretty much for an old geezer, running in that kind of temperature, but it worked out okay," said Pellmann.

The Wisconsin native turned Santa Clara resident did  more than okay. He broke records for 5 events. In  the 100 meter, He shaved off 3 seconds from the previous record. He also set records in the discus throw, shot put, high jump and long jump.

"My practice times were better than what I did Sunday. But I  broke the record so I guess you can't complain about that," said Pellmann, who said he wanted to do better in the pole vault.  

The centenarian  was 70 when he first started competing in the Senior Olympics at the urging of his son.

Pellmann says the secret to his success is simple. Everyday, he does some form of exercise, whether it be walking or jogging. 

"At 100, there's not too many people who can do that.  Keep active...that's the main thing," said Pellmann.   

Last month, he  celebrated his 100th birthday by attending a Giants game where he rode with the team mascot around the field.

He says he's proud of his long marriage to his 92-year-old wife Marge and their three sons.

"The family has been good. Had a good life; good hard-working people," said Pellman.

Before retirement, Pellmann worked for General Electric as a machine shop supervisor of mechanics who  built navigation systems for NASA, some of which he says  were used in the Apollo mission.
 
"It was important and I was very proud to be part of it," said Pellman. "I've seen a lot of history in my hundred years.  A lot of things have changed."  

But what hasn't changed is Pellmann's zest for life. He proves it's never too late to go for gold, even when he already has 890 gold medals and still counting.

To see more coverage of Pellman's performance last weekend, check out the Times of San Diego website.