Erwin Jaskulski


Erwin Jaskulski was a Ukrainian-American track athlete. Born in Chernivtsi, he was a Honolulu resident from 1954 until his death.

Biography

For a period, Jaskulski was the world record holder for the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters in the 95- to 99-year-old and the 100-plus age groups. However, the record for 100 meter for 100 plus age group, which he set on November 16, 2002 at 36.19 seconds, was later broken by Philip Rabinowitz who finished in a time of 30.86 seconds. According to fitness guru and friend Gilad Janklowicz, Jaskulski was a fan of classical music and his philosophy was "to be happy and joyful in life."
A retired accountant, Jaskulski worked as a controller at KHON-TV. He trained by doing chin ups and running down the hallways of his apartment building. With failing eyesight, he was forced to stop the workouts shortly before his death. He has suffered few injuries such as in 2002 when he set a world record with a cracked rib, 10 stitches in his arm, and injuries to both knees.
He never gave an interview in his life. Both Jay Leno and David Letterman asked him to be on their shows but he turned the idea down.
Jaskulski died on March 10, 2006, aged 103. Survivors include two sons living in Austria.