Greenville Centenarian wants to be the fastest man alive

By: Richard Klindworth | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: January 17, 2012
Updated: January 17, 2012 - 6:02 PM

GREENVILLE, N.C. - He was pushing 30 when World War II broke out, yet he is still very active.

This past weekend, Bill Finch turned 100 but, that doesn't stop him from running a mile twice a week and playing badminton.

This morning 9 On Your Side caught up with him at the gym.

When he was 96, he set a national record for the 1500. Now at 100, he's still pushing through.

“I think getting exercise is very important,” said Bill Finch, who just turned 100.

Not only does he still jog, Finch is active on the court.

“I think it's wonderful, I love it. I just wish I could play better,” said Finch. “I wasn't as good as the fella I was playing with.”

“But I think he probably had close to 50 years on you,” said 9 On Your Side’s Rich Klindworth.

“Yah, he probably did, but he's one of the best players I’ve ever seen,” acknowledged Finch.

“He's amazing, we're so tickled to have him as part of our crowd,” said Hellen Walter. She plays badminton with Finch. “He'll make shots you don't think he's going to and we say, 'Oh Bill!"

Finch doesn't really have any secrets for his longevity, but says when he worked he'd run at least a mile a day before breakfast and has stayed active.”

“I'm proud to know Bill. Bill's my hero,” exclaimed Carl King, who also plays badminton with Bill. “When I grow up, I want to be just like him.”

Healthwise, Finch said he doesn't have any issues, “It really doesn't feel any different than 98 or 99. It seems like you get up to a certain age it all feels the same.”

So turning 100 is no big deal.

“I’m very happy, I’m enjoying it. I've had about 3 birthday parties already,” said Finch. “I hope I keep living as long as I’m in good health.”

“When I introduce him, I always introduce him as the man who has no enemies,” said King. “You know why he has no enemies? He's outlived every one of those rascals.”

And at this point, he looks like he'll outlive even more.

Bill's friends tell 9 On Your Side that he plans to run in the National Senior Games in Cleveland.

At that time, he'll be 101.