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Rock Legend Rod Stewart Trains to Break Sprint Record at 80

Fitness

Age isn’t slowing Rod Stewart down. Known worldwide for his legendary voice, stadium-filling tours, and timeless hits like “Maggie May”, the iconic British singer has now turned his focus from music to something no one saw coming—sprinting.

At 80 years old, Rod isn’t just jogging for fitness. He’s actively training to break the 100-meter sprint world record for his age group, and his determination is anything but casual.

Rod’s Unexpected Race Toward History

Most know Rod as the rock star with raspy vocals and a signature style. But behind the spotlight and sound checks is a man with a fierce competitive streak and a love for fitness that dates back decades.

After a lifetime of playing soccer, maintaining a tight fitness regimen, and working with the same personal trainer for over 38 years, Rod is now putting all that energy into one goal—running 100 meters faster than any other 80-year-old on record.

Instagram | sirrodstewart | Having spent a lifetime on fitness, 80-year-old Rod is set to challenge the 100-meter world record.

“I’ve got my sprint time down to 19 seconds just by learning how to launch better,” Rod told AARP. “Now the aim is to hit 17 seconds. That’s the number I’m chasing.”

And it’s not just a vanity goal. The current record for men in that age bracket was set in October 2024 by Kenton Brown from the U.S., who clocked a jaw-dropping 14.21 seconds at the Nevada Senior Games, even with a wind disadvantage of -0.7 m/s. That’s the number Rod is up against, and he knows it.

Rod’s Training Ground

Rod’s estate in the English countryside isn’t just a place for relaxation—it’s practically a private sports complex. His personal running track is where most of the sprint work happens, while his large indoor gym and pool round out a full-scale training program. Underwater exercises play a surprisingly significant role in his routine.

One of Rod’s most intense drills? His trainer tosses a brick into the deep end of the pool. Rod dives in, pushes it across the bottom, and surfaces only once he’s reached the other side.

“Sinatra told me once, ‘Rod, strong lungs make strong singers. Get in the pool and hold your breath.’ It stuck with me ever since.”

The underwater resistance helps build lung capacity—a bonus for both his athletic training and his performances.

Still Taking the Stage

Instagram | pncartscenter | Rod Stewart’s dedication to fitness kept him active, even after knee surgery.

Rod isn’t stepping away from music anytime soon. He’s headlining the prestigious Legends slot at Glastonbury this June, proving that high-level performance on stage and on the track don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Despite a recent knee replacement slowing his soccer days, he’s kept his body in motion thanks to years of consistent fitness habits.

– Long-time trainer partnership (38 years and counting)
– Daily gym routines tailored to aging joints
– A focus on breath control through swimming and vocal exercises

And yes, Rod still finds time to swing a golf club on the private course at home.

Redefining What 80 Looks Like

Rod Stewart isn’t chasing records for the spotlight—he’s doing it to prove that ambition doesn’t retire with age. At 80, he’s showing the world that personal bests, fresh goals, and bold challenges don’t fade with time. While many slow down, Rod’s speeding up, driven by consistent training, not nostalgia.

With a Glastonbury slot ahead and a 17-second 100m sprint in his sights, he’s not just maintaining—he’s setting the pace. Whether or not he beats the record, his story is already a powerful reminder that age doesn’t define limits.

As Rod put it best, “I’m not doing this to prove anything to anyone. I’m doing it because I still can.”

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