Britain’s Cushen recalls when longest women’s event was 800
Bridget Cushen, secretary of the British Masters Athletics Federation and longtime correspondent for National Masters News, has been involved in track since the early 1960s, and recalls how in her day the longest event for women was 800 meters (880 yards). She also talks with amazement about the early days of women’s hammer throw. (She used to throw her husband’s hammer back to him.) Bridget has been involved in World Masters Athletics (or the WAVA predecessor) for decades. Great to see her share her story and origins of sports. “She herself competed as a Masters Athlete up until 2013,” says a YouTube description.
7 Responses
Hey Rochelle Stevens ran 23.81 at 48 years old in Atlanta
Sorry to say that the decathlon is STILL men only at the WMA. I talked to Bridget a few years ago and while she was sympathetic, she said the reason women aren’t allowed to do the decathlon is because there aren’t enough of them to do it. How on earth will they ever know how many women will do it if they don’t allow it? The US allows it and keeps records for women’s decathlon. Not the WMA.
Another reason I have heard is that the elite (young)women heptathletes who don’t know how to pole vault will be unable to compete. Well, I suppose they could learn. They are, after all, pretty decent athletes.
The elite do not like the event, it’s a pity but it is as it is.
Hey Ken,Write Rochelleshealthandwellness.com
She has the meet every year,and it’s open to masters trackers
Ken I am a jhawk call me 3019196199
USATF did a great job, Marcus:
http://www.usatf.org/News/USATF-recognizes-Olympian-Stevens–25-year-track-m.aspx
Rock chalk! (But bring back the hot-pink shorts!)
As noted above,it was not until 1960 that the 800m race for women was reinstated in the Olympics and
the Women’s Marathon was not included until 1984. Now I see high school girls (or sometimes 7th and 8th graders) running the 800m, 1600m and 3200m all in the same meet. I ran (and disliked) cross country in High School and one year in Collage. I can’t imagine running two miles and then running more distance events.
I’m tired just thinking of it. Time for a nap.
http://go-feet.blogspot.com/2013/08/running-history-4-womens-800m-1928-and.html
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