1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the remarkable life and athletic achievements of Fauja Singh, a centenarian marathon runner from India who continued to compete in marathons well into his 100s. The article also describes the tragic circumstances of his death at the age of 114.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 마라톤 | maraeton | marathon | He completed the 42.195km full marathon nine times, setting records. |
| 싱은 | singheun | Singh (his name) | Fauja Singh, who was 102 years old in 2013, completed a 10km marathon in Hong Kong. |
| 그는 | geuneun | he | He retired after that race. |
| 마라톤을 | maraetoneul | the marathon | He completed the 42.195km full marathon nine times, setting records. |
| 완주한 | wanjuhan | completed | He completed the 42.195km full marathon nine times, setting records. |
| 뺑소니 | bbaengsoni | hit-and-run | He was killed in a hit-and-run accident at the age of 114. |
| 사망 | samaeng | death | He was killed in a hit-and-run accident at the age of 114. |
| 향년 | hyangneon | at the age of | He was killed in a hit-and-run accident at the age of 114. |
| 터번 | teobeun | turban | He was known as the “Turbaned Tornado” for always wearing a yellow turban while running. |
| 라두 | radu | laddu (an Indian dessert) | He attributed his strength and vitality to eating lots of dried fruits and homemade tofu-based Indian dessert called “laddu”. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
파우자 싱은 102세의 나이에도 불구하고 2013년 2월 홍콩에서 10km 마라톤을 완주했다. 이 경기를 끝으로 그는 세계 최고령 마라토너로 은퇴했다.
Fauja Singh, who was 102 years old in 2013, completed a 10km marathon in Hong Kong. He retired after that race, becoming the world’s oldest marathon runner.
싱은 89세에 생애 첫 마라톤 대회인 런던마라톤에 출전한 것을 시작으로 42.195km 풀 마라톤을 아홉 차례나 완주해 기록을 세웠다.
He started his marathon career at the age of 89 by competing in the London Marathon, and went on to complete the full 42.195km marathon nine times, setting records.
100세 때인 2011년에도 토론토 워터프런트 마라톤에서 8시간11분여 만에 결승선을 통과했다.
At the age of 100 in 2011, he crossed the finish line of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over 8 hours and 11 minutes.
그는 노란색 터번을 쓰고 뛰어 ‘터번을 쓴 토네이도’라는 별명이 붙었다.
He was known as the “Turbaned Tornado” for always wearing a yellow turban while running.
그는 자신의 힘과 활력의 원천으로 마른 과일과 집에서 만든 두부를 잔뜩 넣은 인도의 디저트 ‘라두’를 꼽았다고 한다.
He attributed his strength and vitality to eating lots of dried fruits and a homemade tofu-based Indian dessert called “laddu”.
불행하게도 싱은 114세를 일기로 세상을 떠났다. 그는 자신의 마을 비아스에서 길을 건너던 중 뺑소니 차량에 치어 사망했다. 현지 경찰은 사고 차량 운전자를 추적해 과실 치사 혐의로 체포했다.
Tragically, Singh passed away at the age of 114. He was killed in a hit-and-run accident while crossing the street in his hometown of Beas. Local police tracked down the driver of the vehicle and arrested them on charges of negligent homicide.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- How old was Fauja Singh when he completed his first marathon?
- How many full marathons did Fauja Singh complete in his lifetime?
- What was Fauja Singh’s nickname and why did he have that nickname?
- What did Fauja Singh attribute his strength and vitality to?
- How did Fauja Singh die?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Fauja Singh’s remarkable athletic accomplishments at such an advanced age are a testament to the longevity and physical resilience of some individuals, even in the face of the natural decline that comes with old age. His story highlights the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy diet as one grows older. The tragic circumstances of his death also underscore the need for greater road safety and accountability measures to protect vulnerable pedestrians.