Experiencing Interruptions?

Younger - looking forward to getting older.

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

This documentary follows four women in their 60s, 70s and 80s as they train and compete in national and international athletics competitions. Dorothy, 85, loves the camaraderie of her gang (as she calls them). Joylyn, 69 hopes to keep going into her 80s and 90s. Sue, 69, says pole vaulting has helped her cope with cancer, twice. Noel, 74, loves the technical challenge of race walking.

For all of them, training and competing in masters 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 an energy, joyful determination, and fulfilment in older age, that offers a powerful antidote to lazy stereotypes around ageing.

A film by Danielle Sellwood with Alex Rotas.
Project supported by Independent Age.

  • Danielle Sellwood
    Director
    87 Days - Alone Rowing the Pacific
  • Danielle Sellwood
    Producer
    87 Days - Alone Rowing the Pacific
  • Alex Rotas
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Sport, women, Age
  • Runtime:
    1 hour
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Danielle Sellwood

I make films that tell women's stories of sport and adventure and are intended to be thought provoking, authentic and inspiring. In a genre that is male dominated and often follows a similar narrative, my films tell a more nuanced and personal story.
Image L-R: Alex Rotas and Danielle Sellwood

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I met Alex eight years ago after she had started photographing older athletes. The stories that she told me were astonishing. That there were women still competing in their 80s and 90s, pole vaulting, running, throwing, I knew, needed to be documented. So, we started this film five years ago, and our love for this community just grows and grows. This important story of purpose, friendship and dogged determination has lessons for us all, whatever our age.