A local man is making history in a big way.
94-year-old Doctor Harlan Van Over has held many titles in his life. And now, he can add being a sixth degree black belt to that list.
He's the oldest person to test for this level and he says he isn't stopping anytime soon.
Doctor Harlan Van Over is also breaking records. Van Over is now one of about 200 people to achieve the honor of a sixth degree black belt, and he's definitely the oldest to reach this milestone.
"My mind says one thing, but my body says who do you think your talking to," Van Over said.
But you wouldn't be able to guess his age from his training. This 94-year-old is on the top of his game.
"He told me many times, if you weren't doing taekwondo you'd be dead, and he's probably right," Van Over said.
He says this sport, keeps him going. But it's not just his black belt that will have you saying, 'I don't want to fight this guy.'
"I've looked death in the face many times so I don't worry about it," Van Over said.
He is also a World War II veteran.
As a bombardier for the Airforce he was shot down three times over Germany, and lives to tell the tale. He tells 14 News what he learned in the military, carries over to his training.
"You have to have a positive attitude and you have to always try to do the best you can," Van Over said.
Something his instructor Cheryl Brice says he does well.
"I want to be 94 one day and if I can punch and kick like he can at 94, that's icing on the cake," Brice said.
And Van Over isn't slowing down anytime soon.
Read more: http://www.wnem.com/story/32421004/94-y ... z4ELPEG98Y
