Albert Gay can’t wait for Perth worlds and gold-medal haul in M75
Aussie star Albert Gay, no relation to Tyson, won Lyon silver in the vault and bronze in the dec. Not bad for being 74 — at the top of his age group. So he’s really looking forward to 2016 Perth worlds when he’s the kid at 75. His local Aussie paper profiled him (with the lame lede: “Most people at 74 would be content with good health and a cup of tea”), but at least they do justice to his story. “I’ve got to be pleased with the results; they are the best athletes in the world,” he said. “But I have a mixed sense of satisfaction. I threw it away — you still learn, I’m still learning even at my age. It was surprising how the edge went away.” That’s what elites do — focus on flaws. You look pretty good to us, Albert!
Albert is usually too busy to sit down for a shoot. Nice pit there, though.
Here’s the bulk of the story:
Although a little disappointed, Gay now has the ultimate motivation for the next world championships to be held in Perth in October next year.
The losing margin for Gay was a meagre 5cm and the winner jumped 2.95m which was less than Gay’s record of 3m. Gay’s family and friends put the result in perspective.
“They thought I had done marvellously,” he said.
“They were over the moon.”
Gay overcame an injured quadricep and calf at the championships which only enhanced his performances.
“I can hardly walk at the moment, especially upstairs,” he said.
Gay said the level of the competition was very high.
“At my age its sort of like survival of the fittest but in the 40s, 50s and 60s the standards are extremely high,” he said.
“These athletes would do well in open age competitions. Making the championships is definitely an achievement in itself.”
Gay hopes to inspire people of all ages to become more active. “People talk themselves into sitting on the couch — just do a little bit.”
WHO: Albert Gay, 74, of Raby, is the number one ranked pole vaulter in his age group
WHAT: He scored silver in the pole vault and bronze in the decathlon at the World Masters Athletics Championships, Lyon, France
GOAL: Aiming for double gold in Perth 2016 championships
One Response
I competed against Albert in Lyon. He is a very strong athlete….very competitive and tough as nails. Additionally, he also tries to help his competitors and has an enjoyable sense of humor. Best of luck to him in Perth.
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