Over time, GarcÃa began training regularly and progressed to longer races. He then started competing in marathons, and ultramarathons.
Today, he is the world record holder for the 50 km in the 80 to 84 age group and a world marathon champion in the master’s category. He also holds the European record in that age group.
Performance Under Study
Intrigued by GarcÃa’s performance at age 82, Spanish and Italian scientists invited him to participate in a series of tests. The results were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Physiology.
The athlete underwent various physiological examinations. He also completed tests on a treadmill and stationary bike, which assessed his endurance, energy consumption, muscle power, oxygen absorption by the muscles, and other indicators of how the body responds to high-intensity exercise.
Experts were particularly impressed with his VO2 max levels. This metric measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during intense exercise and is considered one of the best parameters of cardiovascular fitness.
