Overview

• Mazzenga holds four age‑group world records and recently lowered the 200‑meter world mark twice, adding to 11 world, 31 European and 115 Italian titles.
• An Italian–American team is examining her muscles, nerves and mitochondria to understand how she maintains elite performance at her age.
• Preliminary findings indicate muscle fibers resembling those of a healthy 70‑year‑old alongside blood flow and oxygenation typical of a much younger adult.
• Researchers suggest genetics, long‑term training or both could underlie unusually healthy communication between brain, nerves and muscles, while cautioning the case is exceptional.
• Further testing is planned in October with U.S. collaborators and the University of Padua, as Mazzenga continues regular training and a simple, balanced diet.