---

---

---

99-year-old sprinter is star of games

---

A 99-year-old sprinter is one of the stars of the World Masters Games in Australia.



Charles Booth carried the torch down an avenue of honour at the opening ceremony in Melbourne.



The event has attracted more than 25,000 competitors aged between 24 and 99 from 97 countries.

The athletics track and field competition is to feature many competitors in their 80s.

They include former 400 metre world record holder Mike Johnston, who is 81.

Weightlifting competitors include 90-year-old Vladimir Younger, who aims to beat relative youngsters to clinch gold.



The squash event is expected to be dominated by 87-year-old Vic Hunt, the father of seven-times squash world champion Geoff Hunt.

The state of Victoria hopes to gain a £44.74 million boost from the games, which close on October 13.

---