Dennis Branham is the No. 1 runner in the world in the 800 and 1500 meters in his age group. Unlike a lot of the world’s top masters athletes, this isn’t a return to the sport of his youth. In fact, Dennis not only didn’t run in college, his high school didn’t even have a track team. He’s a bit of an unlikely champion but proof of one of Growing Bolder’s mantras that it’s never too late.

We chat this with this 85-year-old running superstar to find out what inspired him to start running in his late 30s and what keeps him going today.

Find out why he listens more to eyes and mind, which tell him he’s 18, rather than worrying about his actual age. He also describes how exciting it is to line up against other world record holders.

Sports aren’t the only area Dennis has pursued his passions boldly. A former electronics technician, Dennis describes how he was inspired by President John F. Kennedy to move to Florida to work on the space program.