Meet the astonishingly energetic Ella Mae Colbert.

The retired schoolteacher from South Carolina refuses to let the fact that she is now 100-years-old slow her down.

On Tuesday, the centenarian attempted to break the world record in the 100-metre dash in front of pupils from her former school district.

She fell in her first attempt, which would have been enough for most people her age and many much younger.

Video from WYFF News 4.

But Ella Mae proved she was made of sterner stuff, getting her injured chin bandaged up before having another try.

Her second attempt was successful, crossing the line in 46 seconds to set an unofficial world record.

“You’ll have some trials, you’ll have things that will get in your way,” she told the gathered students afterwards.

“Don’t let it get you down. Get up – and go again.”