Only weeks after being named USATF Masters Athlete of the Year, Neni Lewis is set for arthroscopic hip surgery November 5, she writes in reply to questions I sent her last week. “Apparently I was competing with a torn labrum tendon in my right hip for most of the outdoor season, which explains why I had an especially hard time trying to throw the shot and discus,” Neni writes. “I have often felt pops in my hip, discomfort and my right leg becoming longer than the left. Adjustments by a chiropractor usually took care of the problem.” But she’s been through worse. See my quickie Q&A. (Here’s video of a world record hammer throw at Sacramento nationals.)

Masterstrack.com: If USATF invites you, will you be able to attend the Jesse Owens Dinner at convention?

Neni Lewis: I would be honored to attend.  Hopefully I will be able to travel by then.  I met with a surgeon last Thursday and will have arthroscopic hip surgery Nov. 5. Apparently I was competing with a torn labrum tendon in my right hip for most of the outdoor season, which explains why I had an especially hard time trying to throw the shot & discus.  I have often felt pops in my hip, discomfort and my right leg becoming longer than the left.  Adjustments by a chiropractor usually took care of the problem.  

By June the adjustments were not working and I knew there was something else going on.  I felt a terrible pop in my right hip before outdoor nationals and then my right leg was swinging out.  At the Ultraweight Pentathlon, my right foot slipped while throwing the 56 lb. weight in the rain.  Now I am having difficulty walking and cannot throw.  

What do you consider your best mark this season?  

That’s hard to say.  The Ultraweight Pentathlon (5,872 points) as a multi event.  For a single event, it would be the weight throw (18.10 meters).  

How many world records do you currently own?  

Nine in the Hammer, weight throw and throws pentathlon.  

How does the AoY honor rate in comparison to others you’ve received? What does it mean to you?  

Receiving the USATF Masters AOY rates at the top. It’s an honor to be among some of the USA’s very best athletes and I want to congratulate everyone on having a very awesome and exceptional year.

What are your thoughts on being the first thrower so honored in ages (if not forever)?  

It’s a very special honor since it is a rarity for a thrower to receive it.  I am very proud to represent the throwers in that respect and hopefully it will open the door for other throwers to be recognized for their awesome accomplishments.

Do you look for improvement in 2011?  What are your weak points?  

I always look for improvement.  That is what track is all about.  Setting goals for yourself and achieving them.  My weak points at this time is my body.  My right hip (I’ll need a hip replacement eventually) and a few health issues.  I was looking forward to the indoor season and breaking the records in the shot, weight and super weight but that may have to wait until 2012 as the recovery time for my surgery is 3-6 months. Ouch!  I hope to be in shape and ready to compete at the World Outdoor Championships in Sacramento.  

You’ve come back from countless injuries and also cancer.  Can you summarize your cancer battle and current condition?

Hitting middle age has been a challenge.  I had an overactive thyroid which caused me to have problems with my weight and my heart several [years] back in 2006.  Because of concern for my heart, I was ordered by my cardiologist to stop all training until the heart palpitations and chest pains were under control.  I missed the indoor nationals and was very disappointed, but that is life.  

The medication I took for my heart would sometimes get caught in my throat and esophagus [and] would give me a burning sensation and was the beginning of acid reflux. When I had the thyroid problem somewhat under control, then I had difficulty swallowing and a constant sore throat.  My voice would be very hoarse and still is to a certain degree.

 I kind of ignored it and thought it was indigestion. After describing to my coworker the symptoms I was experiencing, she said it sounded like what her husband had when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and I should get it checked out right away. It was too late for her husband. An endoscopy confirmed cancer cells in three places in my esophagus, but fortunately it was caught in the very early stages.  I had to have an endoscopy twice a year for two years and then once a year to make sure I was in the clear.  I still have to be careful of what I eat.  A word of caution to anyone who has frequent heartburn or acid reflux: Don’t ignore it; get it checked out.

Where do you live now, and what’s your current day job?  

I live in Oakland Gardens (Queens), New York.  During the day I am an administrative assistant to four actuaries and a very supportive doctor.  

Why do you compete in masters track?  

I enjoy meeting the people in the masters track and field community (athletes and officials).  I enjoy the anticipation of a meet and trying to improve in each event.  You can be competitive and yet at the same time, I know amongst the throwers, we cheer each other on to throw your best.

 It was not like that when I competed in open track in my younger years in the shot put.  Masters track is more relaxing and enjoyable since I don’t think there is a big drug problem among the women throwers.  I retired from competing in open track in 1986 in disgust because of the rampant drug problem but was not ready to give it up. Masters track has allowed me to continue to do something that I have a passion for and really enjoy.