Two American records in women’s 1500 — lost to the ages?
Just heard yesterday that two potential American records were set at the Armory on Feb. 23 — in the same 1500-meter race. I say potential not because the athletes didn’t really do them. It’s cuz the meet mucky-mucks apparently don’t care much for accuracy. Trust me, the recordkeepers do. Marisa Hanson and Madelyn Noe-Schlentz deserve better.
Here’s what the Armory posted:
Women’s 1500m
Heat 1 of 2
1 Marisa Hanson 4:37 New American Record, Masters 40-45
2 Lesley Higgins 4:37
3 Kristin Herbeck 4:41
4 Noel Whitall 4:41
5 Chelsea Borbolla 4:45
6 Caitlin Lane 4:45
7 Lauren Tuchbana 4:49
8 Madelyn Noe-Schlentz 4:53 New American Record, Masters 45-49
9 Jenn Malavolta 4:53
10 Nilly Buchsbaum 4:54
11 Erin Conroy 4:58
12 Kathryn Martin 5:01
13 Kelly Thompson 5:02
14 Amy Fredericks 5:07
The person who prepared these results (lacking decimal points in the times) further wrote:
“What a race with TWO American masters records… Marisa Hanson executed a perfect race, laying off the early pace before unleashing a devastating finishing kick to pass Lesley Higgins in the last 100 meters. Marisa was looking to go around 4:40 and break Alisa Harveys pending record of 4:41 but to break it by almost 5 seconds was a great achievement. The joy on her and Steve Perks (coach) faces was sheer delight. … And then Madelyn Noe-Schlentz took 1/2 a second off the masters record for 45-49. Many will recall Madelyn running an American record some 5 years ago when she ran 4:59.9 to become the first master to run a sub five minute mile in indoor competition.”
OK, fine.
Now what were their real times?
Marisa apparently beat Alisa Harvey’s 4:41.34 set Dec. 30, 2005. In the same December race, W45 Lesley Chaplin-Swann ran 4:53.62 for another age-group record.
My hope is that the issue is moot — that Hanson and Harvey go head-to-head at Boston indoor nationals and get timed at 1500 on the way to the mile. Harvey is already entered. Hanson isn’t yet.
It also would be nice to see Madelyn Noe-Schlentz race Lesley Chaplin-Swann — a hyphenated tongue-twister for meet announcer Pete Taylor. Keep your fingers crossed.
One Response
Ken
Maybe Madelyn and I will get that chance at Nationals…..if not there I am sure we will meet up during the outdoor season. I told you the records would flip flop!
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