Former Kerala MLA MJ Jacob, aged 81 years, won two bronze medals at World Masters Athletics

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• Jul 12, 2022 | Poonam Nath

MJ Jacob achieved bronze in two hurdles events - 200m and 80m - in the 80-plus age group.

Digital Desk: In the 2006 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, CPI (M) leader MJ Jacob had recently beaten four-time MLA TM Jacob in the Piravom constituency. The new MLA was invited to the commencement of an athletics meet at Maharajas College in Ernakulam by old friends from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT). 

Jacob was a former college track and field champion who went above and above the standard flag-off. Though he staggered a little in the 100m, it reignited his passion for athletics. It started him on a path to international stardom, which he ultimately attained 16 years later, at the age of 81.

A numerous national and Asian seniors athletics champion, Jacob took home bronze in the 200- and 80-meter hurdles at the World Masters Athletics Championship 2022, which concluded on July 10 in Tampere, Finland. 

For those unaware, masters championships are open to competitors over the age of 35. Jacob received medals in the 80+ group.

"This is my first medal at the Worlds in an individual event. I'm not sure if it's a significant accomplishment. But it's really gratifying," Jacob said after the victory in Finland.

Jacob participated in the fourth World Masters, following the events in France (2015), Australia (2016), and Spain (2018). Additionally, he participated in Asian Masters in Malaysia (2012), China (2017), Singapore (2016), and Japan (2014).

Jacob, who recently won the national competition in Chennai, was also scheduled to participate in the long jump in Finland. However, a buildup of intermuscular fat deprived him of his legs' explosive power. He decided to forego the horizontal jump competition.

Let's Know about MJ Jacob

Jacob was an athletics champion in the 1950s, setting a university record in the 400m hurdles that stood for many years. 

When Jacob was young, a tragic accident ended his racing career. He was getting ready to compete in the legendary Kakkoor Kalavayal (bull racing) event with his father, Joseph, a traditional healer. 

Jacob was racing beside the bullock waggon when it accidentally ran over his foot, causing severe injuries. Sports took a back seat, and politics took over from then.

Jacob claims that his family is fully behind him in continuing. "My son and daughter, as well as my wife Thankamma, a retired chemistry teacher, back me wholeheartedly. I'm not asked to stay at home out of concern that I could be hurt when playing sports at this age. Accidents may occur whenever they choose. However, I want to keep going for as long as my body and my mind will let me," he added.

He's clearly not content to sit back and enjoy his success. "When you fight against Europeans, you realise there is much room for improvement. Jacob stated one day, on the international stage, I want to improve and transform this bronze into gold.

Also Read: Malaysia Masters 2022: PV Sindhu forges ahead to the quarterfinals of Malaysia Masters