Yanks head home after successful WMA regionals in Puerto Rico
Marcus Shute is 47, but since he runs like a 35-year-old he anchored the M35 4×1 relay at WMA regionals in Puerto Rico. He and Antwon Dussett (listed as 34), Lyndell Pittman (38) and Don Drummond (41) brought home the gold, of course. Earlier in the day, Marcus won the M45 200 in 23.37, Don won the M40 200 in 23.64, Lyndell won the M35 half-lap in 23.63 and Antwon won the M30 deuce in 21.55. They and other viagra online Americans are arriving home now after the four-day meet in Mayaguez.
From left are Marcus Shute, Antwon Dussett, Lyndell Pittman and Don Drummond of the gold-medal M35 4x100 relay at Mayaguez.
Debbie Selby in good spirits after successful breast-cancer surgery
W50 sprinter/thrower Debbie Selby, daughter of masters great Jim Selby, had breast-cancer surgery yesterday at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas. My wife, Chris, joined masters soccer/track standout Lynn Naftel in the waiting room with Jim. “Everything went well for Debbie,” writes Chris. “The doctor reported to her father, Jim, that the lump was removed and adjacent lymph nodes were clean. Debbie was in good spirits after the surgery. Jim says Debbie is spreading the word far and wide about the need to have regular breast exams and mammograms. As always, early detection is the key. Debbie has been encouraged to take her doctor’s advice and rest. That’s easier said than done for her, but no Senior Olympics for her this weekend (in San Diego). Debbie said earlier that radiation would follow the surgery. Jim appreciates everyone’s support.”
Debbie received an award from Eric Dixon at the 2007 Southern California Striders awards banquet. (Photo by Ken Stone)
Canadian masters poobahs thinking merger with Athletics Canada
Among Americans, the simmering issue is whether USATF Masters should seek a divorce from USATF. But in Canada, the masters are mulling marriage. Paul Osland, president of CMAA, recently wrote: “The CMAA/AC membership discussions have been moving forward at what seems like a very slow pace to someone who is used to timing things down to the hundredths of a second. At any rate, I am happy to be able to inform the membership that the discussion document that we created back in February of this year has received extremely positive responses from the Provincial Branches of (Athletics Canada), who have responded to date. We are just waiting on a couple of additional provinces to respond and then we will be able to move to the next steps of drafting a formal proposal for agreement.” What’s going on?
Photos posted from USA Masters Throws Championships in Lisle
Jerry Bookin-Weiner went beyond the call of duty recently. He’s officially the USATF masters throws coordinator. But he’s also hefting a camera as well. His photos from the recent USATF Masters National Throws Championships in Lisle, Illinois, are now posted here. Last year (as noted in comment below), Jerry also got some shots of a legend: Olympic discus champion Mac Wilkins, who spoke at the meet banquet. Mac turns 60 in November, BTW.
Mac Wilkins, skinnier than we remember him as the 1976 gold medalist but still sporting a beard, spoke at Portland. (Photo by Jerry Bookin-Weiner)
Irish writer discovers a place where older people can run track!
Eamonn Sweeney
Dan Breeding took fab photos of Rocky Mountain Masters Games
Dan Breeding, a freelance fotog in Colorado, got some fantastic shots at the Rocky Mountain Masters Games. For sale, of course. But check out his gallery. His best couple dozen are here. This guy has game! Sue Norton told me about him: “Dan . . . did a wonderful job of photographing the RMMG last weekend. He is a Ft. Collins resident.”
Liz Palmer set an American record in the W50 80-meter hurdles in this race at the Rocky Mountain Masters Games. (Photo by Dan Breeding)
Results being posted for WMA regionals in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
After a couple days of the WMA regionals in Mayaguez, results are showing up here. Stefan Waltermann of the United States won the M60 pentathlon on Day 1, and won the javelin and took second in the short hurdles (behind Ozzie Binion) on Day 2. Team USA’s Mary Rosado won the W60 2K steeple in 11:22.82 among other events, which mostly were run as finals. M40 Don Drummond won the 110 hurdles in 14.70 with a legal wind. The M55 short hurdles was a solo race, apparently. But God bless Jose Ramos of Mexico for showing up. That’s what this sport is all about! Here’s a live stream video of events, when they are going on. (Click on the USTREAM logo at upper right):
Sacramento worlds in 2011 faces competition from Italian meet
Sacramento’s major competition next year for masters bodies may not be the National Senior Games in Houston or USATF masters nationals near Cleveland. The host of 2011 worlds has to worry about the northeastern coastal resort town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. That’s the site of the European Masters Games set for September 2011. “All people with an age of 35 years old and over can take part in (the European) Masters Games, in order to elevate the sport in all its forms,” says a recent news blast. “Not only the competitive spirit but also the awareness that, at every age, sport competition gives great health benefits.” The Sacto LOC must be sweating bullets over this. Europeans are counted on to cross the Atlantic with heavy wallets — and lighten them in the Golden State.
Australia, Poland and France join London as bidders for 2015
Winston Thomas, the British-based secretary of World Masters Athletics, today announced: “Following the closing date for WMA Championship bids on the 1st September, WMA are pleased to announce the following bids. WMA Indoor Championships 2014: Valencia, Spain (and) Budapest, Hungary. WMA Outdoor Championships 2015: Perth, Western Australia; Bydgoszcz and Torun; Poland; London, Great Britain; and Lyon, France. Bids will be discussed by the WMA Council with visits to each city/town and the final decision made by the General Assembly in Sacramento 14th July 2011. I wish all the bidders success as we leave the choice to the GA.” Wow! Australia has a rep for great worlds, and who wouldn’t mind competing in east-central France?
Avalanche of results posted from Rocky Mountain Masters Games
Meet director Jim Weed
W55 Kay Glynn (right) posed with Christel Donley, whose shoulder surgery couldn't keep her away from meet and her officiating chores.
