Ed Storch who resides outside of Mannville has once again proven that age is just a number. Competing in the 2024 Canada 55+ Summer Games, held in Quebec City from August 27-30, Storch sprinted to victory, claiming gold medals in the 50m, 100m, and 400m events. His remarkable achievements have solidified his place as one of the country’s top senior athletes.
Having started competitive racing at the age of 57, Storch, now in his eighties, has spent over two decades sprinting and staying active. He credits his late start in racing to his mother, who was also a competitor in the Games.
“Mom was involved, so I got involved,” Storch explained. “You can blame everything on your mother, right? I wanted to spend time with her. She had been competing in the Games, so I thought I’d give sprinting a try since I used to run. One time, a fellow who beat me in a race took off one of my shoes and his, and he showed me the difference—it was all in the footwear. My shoes were a pound heavier! That’s when I learned that having the right gear matters.”
Storch fondly recalled his mother’s own success, saying, “She threw the javelin, and at 101, she won a silver medal. That’s a story for another time.”
The 2024 Canada 55+ Summer Games, organized by the FADOQ Network in collaboration with FADOQ Quebec and the City of Quebec, brought together approximately 2,500 athletes from across the nation. The biennial event, which began in 1996, was held in Quebec City for the first time. Competitors took part in a variety of 20 disciplines, ranging from summer sports like track and field to winter sports such as curling, and even mental challenges like bridge and scrabble.
For Storch, competing in the track and field events required a rigorous routine. “I start preparing at least six months in advance, focusing on building my cardiovascular fitness. As you get older, muscle loss becomes more of a challenge, so I work hard to maintain my strength. It’s a team effort really—my exercise kinesiologist, deep tissue therapist, chiropractor, and my wife, who’s a nutritionist, all help me stay in top shape.”
While winning three gold medals is no small feat, Storch humbly acknowledged the reality of aging. “It gets a little harder to keep up with my old performance levels. Every year, I slow down just a bit, but I’m especially proud of my time in the 400m, finishing in 1 minute and 39 seconds. That’s pretty close to national records for my age group as far as I know, but I haven’t checked.”
Despite the gradual slowing of his pace, Storch’s dedication remains unwavering. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “My greatest achievement wasn’t just breaking records—it was the chance to travel across Canada and compete in the Games alongside my mother.”
Looking ahead, Storch isn’t ready to hang up his sneakers just yet. He’s already eyeing the 2025 provincial competitions and hopes to qualify for the 2026 nationals in Winnipeg. And while he’s proud of his individual accomplishments, he’s most excited for the future, eagerly awaiting the day his son, Jim, joins him in competition.
At over 80 years old, Ed Storch continues to inspire with his passion, discipline, and commitment to excellence—proving that even in your golden years, there’s always another race to run.
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