Mar 9, 2021
When the Olympic torch makes its way through Japan ahead of the games this summer, the world’s oldest person will take her turn carrying it.
Kane Tanakaturned 118 in January and this May, she’s going to make history with the torch.
The supercentenarian - someone over 110 years old - will become the oldest Olympic torchbearer, beating former record holders
Aida Gemanque, who lit the torch at the 2016 Rio Summer Games at 106, and table tennis player
Alexander Kaptarenko, who ran with the torch at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games at 101 years old. Tanaka’s family will push her in a wheelchair for most of her 100-meter leg, but she’s determined to walk the final few steps as she passes the torch to the next runner. She even has a new pair of sneakers ready for the event.