Gunnar Linde claims M85 American outdoor record in the mile

Jim Goodreau floats over bar near 5 feet at 68.

M85 distance star Gunnar Linde, a Latvian-born former ski champion in Europe, now lives in Venice, California. He moved to the States in the early 1950s, so he’s a complete Yank. Sunday at the Southern California Indoor Meet … Outdoors (intended to give athletes a chance at distances contested at Boston indoor nationals), he ran the mile in 8:13.43 — beating the listed M85 American outdoor record of 8:22.59 by John Hosner in 2010. In 2011, Gunnar won M80 gold in the 2K steeple at Sacramento worlds and bronze in the 1500. I took some pictures at the meet, held at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. Got a nice series of jumps by 68-year-old Jim Goodreau, who cleared 1.48 meters (4-10 1/4), which he called his best mark in four years. Former NFL’er Phil McConkey, 56, won a football 40-yard dash in 5.34 seconds. (Ignore board saying 40m.)

Starter Duke Fuller congratulates Gunnar of the Los Angeles area after filling out USATF record paperwork for his 8:13 mile at age 85.

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February 16, 2014

5 Responses

  1. Nolan Shaheed - February 17, 2014

    A true gentleman and great competitor. Congratulations Gunnar

  2. Andrew Hecker - February 17, 2014

    Results now posted:
    http://www.trackinfo.org/scaindresults2014.html

  3. Andrew Hecker - February 17, 2014

    Good news Nolan: In order to finally submit Nolan’s 3000 american record, 9:57.46 set on this same track 2 years ago, we measured the track before Gunnar’s race with a laser surveying device. I will submit the data with both your record application as well as Gunnar’s.

  4. Andrew Hecker - February 17, 2014

    I just looked up another record Gunnar holds; He is part of the M70 4×800 relay world record team, which also included: Jim Selby, Alfonse Escobosa and Avery Bryant running 11:09.87 in Orono back in 1998

  5. Ken Stone - February 17, 2014

    For those who spot my 100 time at Andy’s meet, be aware that I ran blindfolded and backward — with 5-pound ankle weights.

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