Mike on SI cover after 1991 worlds.
tells me his trip to New Zealand is twofold — get a masters record and make some money. In a
Times of San Diego story, I share details of a 50-minute chat I had with Mr. 29-4 1/2 (aka Mr. 8.95WR). Among other things, he says: “I can’t jump for free. There’s value in my jumping. I’m trying to earn a living here. … My name is Mike Powell. There’s value in that.” He told me he could be jumping at age 75. But for now he’ll compete sparingly to preserve his economic value. He’s getting an appearance fee from organizers of the New Zealand national championships. He also thinks he can do 23 feet right now, despite not being in the best shape. (That would
shatter the listed M50 record of 22-5 1/4.) He’ll even take off with his right leg (not the left, which he used in beating
Carl Lewis at 1991 Tokyo worlds.) In New Zealand, he’ll also make a bunch of appearances as an IAAF ambassador for the Nestle Kids program. He’s down to 180 pounds, he says.
9 Responses
New release reports Mike’s arrival in NZ but continues to err regarding his being the first current WR holder to hold a masters record:
http://www.pressreleaserocket.net/long-jumper-mike-powell-arrives-in-new-zealand-for-world-masters-jump/87121/
What a churlish comment. Why don’t you correct them in a nicer way than this snide arrogant manner.
Publicist has been aware of mistake for days.
Kiwi kids got a kick out of Mike’s display of length of his WR jump:
http://www.iaaf.org/news/iaaf-news/nestle-kids-athletics-mike-powell-new-zealand
Four more days before he attempts the Masters Outdoor record. Since he feels he’s in shape to set an outdoor record in Australia, it might have been kind of cool to come back home and set the indoor record too. Nationals don’t pay money but what a story it would make.Well, he didn’t sign up so maybe his schedule wont allow.
If unfortunately he falls short in Australia,I hope there’s no excuses, just try again at another time.
I’m actually writing this because I don’t think anyone will be reading this and I have three minutes to kill before I go back to practicing my trumpet.
Chow.
Trust me, Nolan. Folks read the comments. More interesting than my rants!
“I can’t jump for free. There’s value in my jumping. I’m trying to earn a living here. … My name is Mike Powell. There’s value in that.”
I hope he makes it. But if not- NO EXCUSES please.
(now back to my trumpet)
I guess if there’s enough demand then go for it but that quote makes him seem…I dunno…cheap?
Mike’s event is at 2 p.m. Saturday Kiwi time — but that’s 5 p.m. Friday on the West Coast.
Results will be posted here:
http://athnz.imgstg.com/Results/nztf2015/150306F123.htm
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