Bill Collins vs. Asafa Powell? IAAF Gala stirs fantasies
Bill Collins is back in Houston after being feted at the IAAF Gala in Monaco, where he and Melitta Czerwenka-Nagel of Germany received their IAAF Best Masters of the Year awards over the weekend. I wrote to Bill, asking about the shindig, and whether he hobnobbed with the track gliterrati. As a matter of fact, he replied: “Yes, Asafa Powell and I talked and took a few photos together, just a little talk about an age-graded race (that) would be very interesting. He really has a very quiet demeanor like myself, so lots of talking did not happen.â€
My quickie email interview with Bill:
How did the ceremonies go — for you and German lady? Who presented the Best Masters awards?
The trip was great, a wonderful and enlightening experience for master athletics. I truly see the masters program moving in the right direction behind a group of council persons that really want to see the masters program shine on a higher level. With building a relationship of togetherness with the IAAF, we can only move to a greater level as the masters get more exposure at these high levels.
The Gala was a breathtaking event, like being at the Oscars, fully black-tie affair special invitation only. With honored guests like Prince Albert of Monaco and many other government officials from other countries, with every top member of the IOC and IAAF, along with past Olympic and world champions in attendance. Around 1,500 in attendance that was treated by a performance from Miriam Makeba and her band that had everyone dancing and enjoying the evening of a lifetime. The WMA Best Athlete awards were presented by Lamine Diack President IAAF and Cesare Beccalli President WMA.
Did you give a little speech? If so, what did you say?
No speech.
Did you get a plaque or what? Any money with that?
A plaque was given.
At the big shindig, where did you sit? Was Stephanie there, too? Who did you sit with? Any celebs?
We were seated at table 27, Stephanie (Bill’s wife) was there, at our table most of the WMA council were seated; also a few IAAF members. Many past Olympic athletes were present —Alberto Juantorena, Irena Szewinska, Maria Koch, Nawal El Moutawakel, Sebastian Coe, Sergey Bubka, Hicham El Guerrouj, and many many more.
Have a chance to meet Asafa Powell? Any chitchat worth repeating?
Yes, Asafa Powell and I talked and took a few photos together, just a little talk about an age-graded race would be very interesting. He really has a very quiet demeanor like myself, so lots of talking did not happen.
See any of your old friends from the 60s and 70s? If yes, who?
Names I stated above plus Olan Cassell, Robert Hersh.
Who besides Cesare Beccalli showed up to represent WMA?
Monty (Hacker), Friedel Schunk, Winston Thomas, Dieter Massin, along with many other members that I can’t recall at this moment. Not only did Cesare show, he was the life of the Gala and dancing with Stephanie was something you had to witness; they both can really dance.
What was the dinner like — what was the menu? Eat it all?
We were invited to two dinners, the first was November 11th held at the prestigious Musee Top Cars of Monaco, then the Gala on November 12. Menu: Royal crab crumbled on a stewed sweet potato, grapefruit supreme, baby beetroot leaves. Filet of beef, charlotte potato pie with morel mushrooms, bunch of rocket salad. Vanilla and strawberry vacherin with licorice, mascarpone cream. Delicacies, coffee, wines.
Save any salad for me?
Sorry, Ken, ate everything on my plate.
9 Responses
Bill it’s terrific that you were there to represent the Masters. It must have been amazing.I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip and your Grand experience in Monte Carlo.
Bill should show more enthusiasm like Charlie Paddock. Charlie Paddock has beenunderated and overlooked through History. He would have been a Great Masters athlete had he not died in World War 2. I am more like Charlie Paddock and am training for Masters Track. I have been timed officially at 4.7 for the 40 yard dash at the age of 51. You wil be hearing from me again soon.
To Mr. Collins: Congratulations! We’re inspired by your accomplishments.
To Mr. Johnson: Um…what?
Hmm lets see So Bill would get a 13 meter lead if my math is correct
Bill, Congratulations on your latest achievment. I’m very happy that you were chosen to represent USA Masters T&F. You have definitely earned the honor. I’d sure like to see that match up between you and Asafa…!
Thanks, Bill, thanks, Ken, for the interview.
Bill, Congratulations. It is very important for all of us, what You are doing on the track. And You are also a great athlete and master beside of the track.
With over 36 years in the Masters Game I am filled with joy and pride at your performance and recognition. To us Elders you are a vindication-to those younger, a role model. You do honor to the baton placed in your hand.Keep the Faith.
Hey Paul, You’d be right in there too. That 11.smokin’.99 for a guy old enough to be collecting Social Security,equals a 9.73 to Bill’s age graded 9.72. But if ya used the ole 1994 scale you’d kick butt with an amazin’ 9.64 to Bill’s 9.73. Either way it looks like Masters would go one-two.
Hi, Happy Thanks-giving to everyone. Yes-Bill Collins is an inpiration to all of us. Anyway- I am training intelligently and not haphazard this past summer.I did a 24.3 time trial this past summer then trained more without proper rest and lack of consistent training. As a result I suffered a very upper hamstring injury strain. That is near the glute area.I believe this also was a result of to much torque on the backside of my upper left leg (please forgve my terminology,I am not a Doctor)So, therefore I will only concentrate on the 50 meters through 60 meters at local and hopefully Regional and the big National meet at Reggie Lewis Stadium March of 2007. P.S. I competed at the National Masters2003 and did a 32 second lap at the trials. This was because I pulled up injured and coasted in and at least finished. That is the truth with that. Also, all I meant with reference to Charlie Paddock,is,if he were alive today competing at the masters levelHow wouldhe perform? and how he would react to any major victories.? In history,he was a very excitable character.When I win, I get all excited too!! Again,Congratulation to Bill Collins. I hope to compete with Bill within the next year-Amen!
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