Ten years ago, when she was 50, Phil Raschker won an incredible 10 gold medals at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Durban, South Africa. But a decade has slowed her down. She may end up with only eight or nine world titles this year. At age 60, she’s won seven golds at Riccione worlds — with relays and long jump still to come. In 1997, she was pretty much ignored by USATF. This year it’s different. USATF today named Hall of Famer Phil its Athlete of the Week. (She’s the fourth masters-age athlete so honored this year — after Gail Devers, Jim Sorensen and Nadine O’Connor.) USATF writer Vicki Oddi listed all the American gold medalists so far. Great work in recognizing our 30 world champions. The meet ends Saturday.

Here’s the press release from USATF:

INDIANAPOLIS – Phil Raschker has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning the women’s 60-64 100 meters, 200m, 300m hurdles, high jump, triple jump, pole vault and heptathlon at the 2007 World Masters Athletics Championships in Riccione, Italy.
A 13-time Masters Female Athlete of the Year, Raschker has won every event that she has contested so far at the World Masters Athletics Championships. She won the 100m (14.00), 200m (28.61), 300m hurdles (52.27), high jump (1.33 meters/4 feet 4.25 inches), triple jump (9.46m/31-0.5), pole vault (2.65m/8-8.25) and heptathlon (6,742 points). In the final days of competition, Raschker also will compete in the long jump.
Americans are faring well at the 2007 World Masters Athletics Championships. Gold medalist to date include:
Patricia Porter (w45 high jump 1.53m/5-0.25),
Carol Finsrud (w50 discus 43.43m/142-6, hammer 45.36m/148-10, weight 14.99m/49-2.25),
Kathryn Martin (w55 8km cross country 29:27),
Nadine O’Connor (w65 pole vault 2.30m/7-6.5),
Jeanne Daprano (w70 800m 3:07.89),
Christine Donley (w70 heptathlon 5,426),
Thelma Wilson (w75 800m 3:44.91, 5000m 28:51.06),
Patricia Peterson (w80 200m 44.81),
Miriam Gordon (w80 5000m walk 39:33.10),
Johnnye Valien (w80 pole vault 1.10m/3-7.25, javelin 14.21m/46-7.5),
Betty Jarvis (w90 javelin 7.53m/24-8.5, hammer 9.79m/32-1.5).
Val Barnwell (M45-100m 11.42),
Anselm LeBourne (M45-800m 2:02.63),
Martin Krulee (M50-100m 11.58),
Steve Gallegos (M50-800m 2:05.55),
William Banks (M50-triple jump 13.10 meters/42 feet 11.75 inches),
Jim Russ (M50-Decathlon 7,268 points),
Bill Collins (M55-100m 11.81, 200m 23.76),
Nolan Shaheed (M55-5,000m 16:40.14),
Stan Whitley (M60-100m 12.31),
Charles Allie (M60-100m 24.41),
Paul Economides (M60-Weight Throw 20.34m/66-8.75),
Robert Baker (M60-Decathlon 4,474 points),
Gary Stenlund (M60-Javelin 52.05m170-9),
Bob Cahners (M60-Weight Throw 17.19m/56-4.75),
Emil Pawlik (M60-Decathlon 7,671 points),
Bob Lida (M70-100m 13.26, 200m 26.80),
John Starr (M70-10 km race walk 1:05:43),
Franklin Held (M75-Pole Vault 2.70m/8-10.25),
Bill Melville (M80-100m 15.33, 200m 32.08).
Now in its sixth year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
2007 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 2, Thomas Morgan; January 9, Jacquelyn Coward; January 16, Ryan Hall; January 23, Johnny Dutch; January 30, Shalane Flanagan; February 6, Gail Devers; February 13, Alan Culpepper; February 20, Bernard Lagat; February 27, Christian Cantwell; March 6, Fasil Bizuneh; March 13, Natasha Hastings; March 20, Anthony Famiglietti; March 27, Nadine O’Connor; April 4, Natasha Hastings; April 10, Diana Pickler; April 17, Shalane Flanagan; April 24, Virginia Tech women’s team, Ryan Hall; May 1, Jen Rhines; May 8, Walter Henning; May 15, Allyson Felix; May 22, Breaux Greer; May 29, Walter Dix; June 5, Jenn Stuczynski; June 12, Walter Dix; June 19, Chanelle Price; June 27, Tyson Gay; July 3, Jim Sorensen; July 10, Robin Reynolds; July 17, William Wynne; July 24, Alan Webb; July 31, Victoria Jordan; August 8, Reese Hoffa; August 14, Jeremy Wariner; August 21, Lela Nelson; August 28, Tyson Gay, September 5, Allyson Felix and Bernard Lagat, September 11, Phil Raschker.