“I don’t want to train like I have been any longer,” she said four years ago—words spoken with quiet conviction. Back then, this track and field athlete had already pictured her next chapter: no more intensive drills or daily grind. Just a slower life, filled with friendly games of golf and maybe a few rounds of bowling. Her friends heard it and nodded. The signs were there. After decades of competition, it seemed Madeline “Tiny” Cazel was ready to hang up her spikes. But if there’s one thing you learn quickly about Tiny Cazel, it’s that she doesn’t always do what people expect.
That supposed farewell? It came in the form of a tribute—the 2022 National Senior Games in Florida, lovingly dubbed Madeline’s “last dance.” Everyone thought it was the final lap. But not Tiny. “Not yet,” she seemed to whisper through every stride, every throw, every heartbeat. She was 84 at the time. Now she’s 87. And she’s still not done!
In fact, when News 6 cameras found Tiny Cazel three days ago in a cloudless morning, she wasn’t resting but out on a green field, warming up. Preparing—again—for the National Senior Games, in Iowa, just because something inside her still burns: “Competitiveness inside of me that wants to compete and perfect everything that I try to do.” There is much more, though!
Because this isn’t just about medals or personal bests. For Tiny, track and field is medicine—a reason to keep moving, keep growing, and keep living. “It [the track and field sports] keeps your body moving and keeps you healthy,” she says with a light in her eyes. But for anyone who’s watched the Central Florida native hurl a discus or take off down the track, it’s not just physical wellness on display—it’s pure joy. And it’s visible that she still loves to win.
Credit: Facebook/ Madeline Cazel
So, when asked about what keeps her going, Tiny just smiled and said, “Winning. That’s what you’re to do and practice for that.” Madeline Cazel still trains four days a week, at 87, with no complaints, no signs of slowing down. She even jokes that she might consider retirement after she turns 90. Till then, she will collect her marbles.
The track and field athlete has some enviable achievements
This past March, most people her age were probably planning a quiet spring, but Madeline “Tiny” Cazel was in Ocala, lacing up her shoes for the World Masters Athletics Competition…and she left with five medals, including four silvers and one glorious gold. But, that’s not it! Later that same month, she lined up at the 2025 WMA Indoor World Championships, taking on the 60-meter dash and discus throw in the W85 division. Her results? 20.14 seconds in the 60m and 15.23 meters in the discus. Solid stats for any age! But if you want numbers that really make jaws drop, let’s rewind to December 2023.
At the Florida Senior Games, Tiny did the impossible: she became the first American woman over 85 to throw the discus more than 60 feet, with a mind-blowing toss of 61.31 feet. For context, the U.S. Masters record had stood at 55’1”, set by Flo Meiler. The world record, set by a Brazilian athlete in 2023, sits at 69’6”. Tiny’s throw capped a 2023 outdoor season where she reigned supreme: No. 1 in the U.S. (W85-89) in the 50m, long jump, and discus. No. 2 in javelin, 100m, and shot put.
Jul 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The New Balance FuelCell MD-X spikes worn by Gabrielle Thomas aka Gabby Thomas (USA) in the women’s 200m during the London Athletics Meet at London Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
But here’s the kicker—her legacy didn’t begin yesterday. Back in 2003, Tiny was named Florida Senior Games Female Athlete of the Year, kicking off a proud tradition of champions from The Villages. And now, more than two decades later, she’s still out there! Now all the eyes will be on the National Senior Games, scheduled from July 24 to August in Des Moines, Iowa. Are you going to cheer for Madeline “Tiny” Cazel? Do let us know.
The post Even at 87, This Woman Can’t Be Away From Track & Field appeared first on EssentiallySports.
