Hardest-won silvers at Lyon: Story of Ray Knerr’s courage amid grief
Ray starts 800 at Mt. SAC Relays in mid-April.
Ray shows extent of his exertions at finish of Mt. SAC 800. Chris Stone photo
Ray, a teacher at Buena High School in Ventura County, wrote me this week:
My wife was Diane Knerr. She was an elementary school counselor and a 15-year brain cancer survivor. After recent chemotherapy treatment, she was on hospice beginning in February when her tumor, which has been stable for over 14 years, grew quickly. She fought a brave battle and was always positive.
All I can say is that my Diane NEVER GAVE UP. She always said that it wasn’t easy being a miracle. I apply the same mentality to my training and efforts with running and life. Ultimately the races and results although important are not what really matters.
What matters in life is the kindness we show others and to appreciate what we have (family, health, joy). I told Diane that I wasn’t going to go the Lyon if you are here, but she encouraged me to go if she did not survive. My daughter Jenny accompanied me on the trip and was a great support. We both enjoyed meeting so many good people and athletes from around the world.Ray, who led most of the way, and Mike put on a show at Mt. SAC Relays. Chris Stone photo
Lyon was really a beautiful city. I do wish that the main venue would have been closer to the city center where most of the athletes were staying. Lots of metros and bus trip were needed. Traffic was not any problem, as most of us didn’t need a car with public transportation. Regarding the heat, that really did not affect any of the shorter races when you are only running 2-4 laps, but in the case of races like the 5000 – it was a major problem for athletes. I just kept my warmups short.
Anselm was a great competitor and very gracious after hearing about my wife’s passing. Both of our races came down to the last 150 meters and my strategy was similar in both races. In retrospect, I could have pushed the pace much earlier in the 1500 and might have changed my result.Celebration of life for Diane Knerr (PDF)
Our last lap in the 1500 was a 64 and the 800 was 65 after a first lap of 59. All in all, the competition was challenging, and I gave it my best effort competing with the memory of Diane so fresh in my mind. She would have wanted me to move forward, have peace, and not dwell in sadness on her disease. I miss her so much – and her life will always be part of mine.
Hopefully, I will be healthy again next year and am looking forward to training and inspiring others that you can be faster that society thinks “older” people can run. You can accomplish goals at any age!
Ray is a helluva athlete and human. We wish him and his family all the best in these tough times.
9 Responses
As good a runner that Ray is, he is even a better person. Being teammates for Cal Coast Track Club we have spent a lot of time talking track and life in general. We were all so sorry to hear that Ray’s “angel” lost her long term battle with cancer. I was fortunate to spend a little time in Lyon with Ray and his daughter – always nice to see family supporting each other in their time of grief. Continued blessings to the Knerr family!
What a tribute. Thanks, Ken, for posting. Thanks Ray (and Diane) for inspiring — and for reminding us what is really important in life!
We are very, very sorry about the passing away of your wife, Ray. What a lot of strength to act so well in Lyon. Corné&Diana
Hanging with this great man ‘off the track’ in Lyon was an honor worth more than any running result. I feel lucky to learn what a wonderful person Diane was through Ray and his lovely daughter Jenn. KP
Thank you Ken for posting this. I was sitting beside Ray and his daughter during one of the medal presentation ceremonies in Lyon and I congratulated him on what I thought were 2 outstanding finals (the 8 and 15) I had seen him run. I thought he ran with an intense passion. He was very gracious and humble. I had no idea, of course, of the anguish he must have been feeling. A truly remarkable athlete
Well, Ray told me his situation after the 800 meters finals and I immediately felt his pain. I really wanted to do something to honor him and his wife. The night before the 1500 meters finals I was tossing and turning all night and did not get much sleep. I decided that I wanted to approach Ray and ask him for us to tie in the 1500 meters so we can honor his wife. However, I Did not approach Ray because I did not know how he would take it and that maybe he would feel that I was underestimating his talents and ability. Right after the race I told Ray what I had in mind and he stated that he was not sure he would have accepted my proposal. I understood fully what he said but I just wanted to do an act of kindness for a kind and humble gentleman.
uggggghhh…I do not have the privelege of knowing Ray personally just of his ‘legend’ from many a mutual pal…what a remarkablly nice tribute to his wife and the sport…thanks Ray for reminding us what really matters
I met and spoke with Ray in Lyon. As we prepared for our qualifying heats he told me about his wife’s passing. I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly. Of course everyone is different, but I can imagine that the challenge of preparing for worlds might have provided a welcome distraction and sense of meaning during that difficult period. Ray seems like a humble and gentle person, and I am grateful to have met him.
Ray is one of the most disciplined and humble men that we have grown to love and respect. It was our honor to have known Diane for many years. She is guiding Ray as he continues his quest to be the best in the world. What a profile of courage and determination he exhibits. A role model for so many. It’s an honor to cheer him on!
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