Most 91-year-olds are racing to their recliners. Not Emma Maria Mazzenga.The Italian nonagenarian sprinted through a 200-meter dash in under a minute last year, crushing the previous world record for her age group. While others were gasping for air, Mazzenga was already sizing up her next race.

Amazed by her speed, doctors investigated what makes this senior sprinter tick. Now, they’ve uncovered the unique physical traits that have helped make Mazzenga one of Italy’s most unstoppable athletic wonders. After blazing through a 200-meter dash in just 51.47 seconds — nearly 1.5 seconds faster than the previous 90-plus world record — Mazzenga enrolled in a scientific study to help scientists better understand her powerhouse physiology.