A 95-year-old Japanese man shattered the 100 metres world record in the 95-99 age group at a seniors athletics meeting on Sunday, organisers said.

Kozo Haraguchi splashed through the rain to clock 22.04 seconds in Miyazaki, southern Japan [ Images ], slicing almost two seconds off the previous world record of 24.01.

After being informed of his achievement, Haraguchi beamed: "Oh dear, really? Thank you very much."

Five years ago, Haraguchi set a world record for the 90-94 age bracket with a time of 18.08.

After rewriting the record books again, Haraguchi modestly said he had just tried to concentrate on not falling over.

"Everyone was cheering me on so I kept thinking I mustn't fall over," he told reporters. "From now on, I will keep going as hard as my strength lets me."

Haraguchi took up athletics at 65 to keep fit and said the secret of his success was a one-hour walk every morning around his neighbourhood.