Merlene's grandma races past 100

…still reading her 'Nancy Drew' books

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau: The mystery surrounding the amazing longevity of sprint legend Merlene Ottey, who is still competing at age 52 years old, could well be the result of the genes she inherited from her grandmother Blanche Bowen, who, at 100 years old, is as fit a as a fiddle.

Bowen, born on February 6, 1913, looks at least 20 years younger than her age. She spends her days reading the Bible and other religious literature, local newspapers, old letters from overseas relatives, and mystery books such as her favourite, the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series - all without her spectacles.

"She also enjoys doing word puzzles, autographing photographs, and reminiscing," a family member told the Western Focus. "During a brief period of hospitalisation in December 2012, the doctor declared that there was 'nothing wrong with her; she just needs to keep off the salt'."

SPECIAL SERVICE

In recognition of the enviable milestone Bowen has reached, her family arranged a special appreciation service for her on Sunday, February 3, at the Gurney's Mount Baptist Church. The church service was followed by a birthday party on February 6.

Bowen, who was born to Eustace Cunningham and Isabelle Anglin in Cold Spring, Hanover, met and fell in love with Ezekiel Bowen at the Tryall Great House in Hanover, where they both worked.

Their friendship blossomed into marriage as they exchanged vows on August 27, 1939, at the East Queen Street Baptist Church. The union subsequently produced nine children, including Ottey's mother, Joan Bowen. The 68-year union ended on March 23, 2007, when Mr Bowen died six days before his 99th birthday.

The children of the union are daughters Joan, Dorothy (deceased), Ruth, Beryl, Eunice and Carmen; and sons Samuel, Clyve, and Glenn. The family subsequently expanded to include 28 grandchildren (two deceased), 43 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Sprint star Ottey is arguably Jamaica's most accomplished female athlete, winning nine Olympic medals and 14 World Championship medals.

ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY

While sports was not Bowen's forte, in her prime, she was quite active, serving her church as deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and secretary to the Women's Federation. At the community level, she served as a member of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, member of the Gurney's Mount All-Age School PTA, and member of the Cold Spring Basic School Board.

With Ottey still on the running track showing off her sprinting prowess, 33 years after her first Olympic Games appearance in Moscow, grandmother Bowen is also still sprinting along the literary circuit, digging into her Nancy Drew books.