“Wow”: Setting a New Equestrian Record, Gymnastics Fans Embrace the Unexpected

Age is no longer a bar in following your passion. Senior citizens have shown how they can adapt and allow themselves to learn new things. Whether it is a granny who began her career as a disc-jockey at the age of 65, or this grandma who began her horse-vaulting career at 74 – these women inspire the new generation. Maureen “Mo” Fitzgerald, now 77, has found herself a place in the Guinness World Records for her equestrian pursuits. She is the oldest horse vaulter. 

How has she been able to pull this off? Well, not many know that in her heyday, Maureen was gymnastics champion. Moreover, she was a ballet dancer as well. The combination of gymnastics and dance kept her strong and agile in her seventies. The achievements of Maureen have been appreciated by fans of equestrian sports as well as gymnastics.

Fans react positively

A top fan of the Guinness page on Facebook commented with a heartfelt “Congratulations” for the veteran gymnast and now horse vault pro. While many congratulatory comments followed, some not-so-pleasant ones were also there. One encouraging comment to the granny said: “You’ve made the part!!!” While another simply said, “Wow”. It will be interesting to know about the journey of Maureen Fitzgerald in her current sport of choice.

Not many fans would know that the South African took up the sport of horse vaulting as a challenge. The former gymnast did not have any horse-riding experience before this. Now, she is a pro at equestrian vaulting, and can do most of the regular stunts. However, her family took notice of her being the oldest in the sport only recently.

Maureen “Mo” Fitzgerald – the ‘Coolest Gran’

The Guinness World Records website informs that Maureen’s 11-year-old grandchild Siobhan had a school assignment of naming ‘The Coolest Gran’. That’s when her child’s family discovered that Maureen may be the oldest in her current profession. They found out if her achievements could break (or create) a Guinness World Record. And sure enough, she is in the Guinness World Records 2024.

“You are never too old to do what you love,” said Maureen. “I still have very good balance and love horses. I wanted to do something that was challenging and I did not need my legs too much for. I am very strong still and started doing this as a way to keep fit.”

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It seems Mo has always been a multi-faceted personality. She participated in the gymnastics World Games in 1966. She then pursued ballet and ballroom dancing, in which she enjoyed success at the South African championships. At 77 years and 175 days, Maureen was officially named the ‘world’s oldest equestrian vaulter’ after participating in the seniors category at the 2021 Gauteng Vaulting Championships.

The story of Maureen would inspire the youth as well as the ones closer to her age. Horse vaulting is a tough sport and the 70-plus lady has mastered it. It is indeed a great feat for a mother of three and grandmother of seven.

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