After a lifetime of hard work, an 85-year-old Leicester man returns to the sport he once loved and finds success in his golden years. Tarlochan Singh Sodhi cuts an extraordinary figure at 85 years old. While many his age are slowing down, he is speeding up – quite literally. Today, he is a proud competitive runner, but his journey to the track has been anything but straightforward.
Born and raised in Punjab, India, Tarlochan arrived in England at the age of 22. He began his working career in Derby as he adjusted to life in a new country, and just a few months later he moved to Leicester, where he eventually settled permanently.
Like many immigrants of his generation, he worked tirelessly to establish himself, taking a job as a crane driver while also working extra hours as a labourer. On top of that, he filmed weddings as a videographer to support his growing family.
Running had once been a passion. He first discovered it while spending a short period with the India Border Force, using any spare moment to go for a run. But once he reached England, responsibility took over.
The long working hours, combined with the pressures of starting life from scratch, left little room for personal pursuits. Marriage followed, then children, and later grandchildren. His dream of running slipped quietly into the background.
Now, decades later, that dream has resurfaced with remarkable force. Tarlochan laughs when he recalls conversations with his family. “Sometimes I say to them, ‘When I was your age, did I get time to run’ I was working day and night. Now I’m 85 and I’ve started running – but it’s never too late.’”
His results speak for themselves. He has already competed in 100-metre races and has won three times, proudly wearing his medals and holding his certificates “like a dream come true.” His next goal is the Sikh Games in London, taking place from 31 July to 2 August, where he hopes to add yet another medal to his growing collection.
Despite his age, Tarlochan shows no sign of slowing down. He trains every single day without fail, beginning with an early morning walk before heading to the gym for a three-hour workout. His dedication is unwavering, driven by both passion and purpose.
He admits he misses his siblings in India deeply, but says he remains grateful for the life he has built in Britain. “Now I have my grandchildren, and I enjoy every moment with them. That is the biggest reward,” he says with a smile.
Tarlochan also credits his family for supporting him in chasing his late-in-life dream of becoming a runner. That support, combined with his own determination, has helped him turn a passion he once had to abandon into a triumphant new chapter.
At 85, he insists he has no plans to hang up his running shoes. In fact, he believes he’s only just getting started.
