Rita Hanscom ready to explode into W55 ranks this month
Rita’s form was captured in a 2005 photo.
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Running in the rain and cold of Oakland’s Skyline High School, Rita Hanscom of San Diego clocked a monster 13.60 in the 100 yesterday — a half-hour after a 400 in 66.80. Rita turns 55 later this month. The 13.60 had no wind reading, but it was her best mark since April 2007, when she ran 13.59 at the Mt. SAC Relays (the same day M40 Aaron Thigpen ran his never-ratified American record of 10.60). “Probably ran well because my 84-year-old mother was bundled up, sitting
in the stands under a dripping tent with the college kids from Mills
College, cheering me on,” Rita replied to my query. Even more impressive: She competed despite jet lag after having spent four days in New York City on a job-related assignment, where she did only some walking and jogged around Central Park before returning to San Diego on Friday. The listed world record for the W55 100 is 13.30 — by Phil Raschker in 2002. A tough nut to crack, for sure. But Rita is tough, too.
Rita Hanscom reprises 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’ on track
In 1973, 55-year-old Bobby Riggs challenged 29-year-old Billie Jean King to a tennis match in Houston. BJK spanked old Bobby good. Yesterday at San Diego’s old Balboa Stadium, 54-year-old Rita Hanscom had a sprint rematch with a 38-year-old male co-worker who used to play wide receiver in his prep football days. Guess who won? Yeah, the older lady outlegged the younger man. But unlike the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” this was done as a fund-raiser between two good friends. Here’s the complete story by my Union-Tribune colleague Don Norcross.
8 Responses
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kimW - February 27, 2009
Rita, you rock! What a great story. Thanks Ken.
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Liz Palmer - February 27, 2009
Rita, you look great! What a wonderful story. Best of luck in Landover.
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peter taylor - February 27, 2009
As I said publicly a couple of years ago, Rita Hanscom (among the women) and Saladin “Sal” Allah (among the men) have the best running form in our program. Have you ever noticed how excellent form = great speed? As Kim from Maine observes, Rita Hanscom rocks.
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Nadine O'Connor - February 27, 2009
It should be emphasized that despite her busy and demanding schedule, Rita arranged the whole event herself to raise awareness of the good work that the San Diego downtown Y provides for disadvantage youth, as well as to raise funds for its programs. She won the race, but more than that she accomplished that goal in fine fashion. Hopefully, this event will continue to grow and provide more funds for a worthy cause.
As president of the Rita fan club, I am delighted that our numbers are rapidly increasing. -
Karla Del Grande - February 27, 2009
What a great “good news” story! Love the story, and love Rita!
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Anonymous - February 27, 2009
They are both fine examples of what humanity and sportsmanship should be! Great story.
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Kettrell L. Berry - February 27, 2009
You go girl.
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simpdog - February 28, 2009
great motivation…
I’m gonna try to lose the last 10 lbs that Graves couldn’t lose before Penn!!
great race, great cause!
14 Responses
You bet she is tough! After the sprints, she was set to compete in the triple jump–without having ever tried it. Too bad it was cancelled due to rain. It will be fun to see what she can do in yet another event.
She has a most positive attitude and enjoys participating more than any other athlete I have seen. If we could find some way to spread her enthusiasm around, masters track and field would be more popular than baseball. Well, at least more popular than golf.
Happy birthday!
One of your many sidekicks,
Nadine
Rita Hanscom is AWESOME!!!! I first met her last year at the 2008 Masters Indoor National Championships in Boston. It was my first meet in 31 years and I was competing against her in the 60 and 200 meters. Rita, was very kind to me and gave me encouragement to continue running.
Happy Birthday Rita and keep tearing up the track!!!
You go girl!!! Ditto all the above. she is one of the most inspirational women…no, people…I know! What fun she spreads where ever she goes..particularly where there are cleats—oh, I mean spikes–involved!
…beauty, brains and athlete suprima!
Happy Birthday Rita…thanks for all the laughs this weekend.
Terry
Happy Birthday Rita
I see those repeat 200’s you ran with Jai and I paid off. Now lets work on those 300mH.
Congratulations Rita . Great job…
I hope you celebrated and enjoyed a wonderful Birthday. Thanks for being such a great person both on and off the track. You truly are a role model and an inspiration.
See you at PH,
Jai
A true competitor, athlete and friend. Rita, I will miss you in the W50, but I’ll be joining you next January. Have at those W55 records now. Pretty good 400 for someone who doesn’t like to run “that far”.
Happy 55th birtday Rita – and congratulations to your mother – she raised a fine daughter! Hope to see you soon on the track.
Keep at it Rita. I always enjoy seeing and visiting with you at the meets.
No way you are 55!!!
Geezlaweeze
Rita, you are a class act and a gracious person. Good luck in W55!
Happy birthday, Rita, and welcome to W55! You’re an awesome athlete, always positive and enthusiastic, and an inspiration, with your skill in such a variety of events.
Happy Birthday, Rita! You’re proof that older CAN be better! Look forward to having you in my age division again–even if it DOES cost me a gold–or 2–or 3! It’ll be fun!
Great to compete with you in Landover and in other multi-events some time ago. Enjoyed reading about your recent 100m race – fantastic! You are a marvelous and talented athlete, and I look forward to seeing you in action in Oshkosh and Finland.
Thanks for the birthday greetings everyone!
By the way, my 100m time was corrected 3 days later to 13.66. The timer revised the sheet after I saw it at the track. This timing business is a curious thing. So Karla, you have nothing to worry about. Good luck to everyone this year! Love you all!
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