With the UK in the grip of Olympic fever, several inspiring and enlightening athletics documentaries have been shown. However, in the opinion of runABC news writer and master athlete Alan Newman, one short film stands head and shoulders above the rest.

OK, perhaps Alan is biased as he appears with his wife Sue James in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it cameo as support coach to one of the film's stars Dorothy (Dot) Fraser (pictured above) on a drab winter's morning in Weymouth. Their 'Status Quo' hip-loosening warm-up routine looks cringeworthy on film but it was fun and if it works, who cares...!

Younger: Looking Forward To Getting Older is a 57-minute documentary by Co-Directors Danielle Sellwood and Alex Rotas, described by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox in this review in Forbes as: "A quiet, powerful portrait of resilience and sheer grit." England Athletics found Younger to be: "thoroughly inspiring", and Athletics Weekly said: "Ageless athletes – new documentary shows the power of track and field in later life."

The film follows four women in their 60s, 70s and 80s over 12 months as they prepare to compete in masters athletics events at home and abroad. Dot, 85, loves the camaraderie of her 'gang' and lives for the adrenalin rush of competing. Joylyn, 69, has amassed an incredible collection of medals and hopes to add even more into her 70s, 80s and 90s. Sue, 69, believes pole vaulting has helped her cope with cancer, twice. Noel, 74, loves the highly technical challenge of race walking.

A taste of what to expect is available in this trailer...

In masters competitions, athletes compete in five-year age groups from 35 to 100-plus. This means that every time they move up an age group they are the youngest in that category, and therefore have the best chance of success. That fleeting opportunity drives them on and is why they are 'looking forward to getting older'.

Younger, released by TullStories, has already played to rapt audiences in cinemas from Glasgow to Plymouth and the UK tour continues with venues from Dundee to Falmouth in the next few months. Some shows include a Q&A with the Co-Directors and the next available dates with Sellwood and Rotas present are at Bath on 29 September and Clevedon on 19 October.

Younger helps dispel many of the stereotypes around ageing and showcases the extraordinary vigour, determination and competitive spirit of four older women as they pursue their dreams while facing all of life's usual challenges, including mortality, with joy and great humour. Catch a screening if you can.

Photo of Dot Fraser courtesy of Danielle Sellwood