American M70 team destroys indoor 4×2 world record
Just as they promised, the M70 quartet of Larry Colbert, Richard Rizzo, the Rev. Dick Camp and Robert Lida smoked the world indoor record in the 800-meter relay, clocking 1:54.05 to shatter the listed record of 1:58.71 set by a German national team at the 2004 world masters indoor championships in Sindelfingen, Germany (not Linz in 2006 as previously stated). A source offers these details on the record run Saturday at the Armory track in New York City: “The team made wise descision leading off with the always dependable Larry Colbert. Larry executed the first 200 with real finesse and totally set his team up for the record. The baton was passed to Richard Rizzo and he ran flawlessly. The crowd now was standing and cheering as they could not beleive these men were 70 years of age and moving at the speed they were. Many of the younger athletes, this was an open meet as well, really had no idea that true sprinting was possible at an advanced age.â€
My source continues:
I heard more than a few remarks about great form and consequent execution. Rizzo handed the baton to Rev. Dick Camp who ran like a man on a mission — eating up the Mondo track at the Armory with his great strides; it was a great sight to witness.
Camp handed off to anchor man Bob Lida and the record was well in hand. We athletes who know Bob Lida knew what to expect, but the crowd sure did not. Lida flew through the last 200 and brought the baton in 4.66 seconds under the existing record.
I have been watching track races for 44 years now and this was one I will remember. These men exemplify the best of track and field. They run without ego and bravado and are more focused on team accomplishment than personal glory. Today was a day I was proud to me a masters track and field athlete.
6 Responses
Larry, Rich, Dick & Bob…What a team! Congratulations. To knock 1-2 seconds off a world record is amazing, but 4+ seconds is phenomenal. You make us all proud.
The more I go over the final time of this race and the age of the men, the more it amazes me. It is inspiring!
WOW…2 comments on a 70 year old WORLD RECORD??? GREAT support Masters athletes!!!!!!
i practiced on the same track with Larry back in mid 80’s and being around him made me want to continue with track & field. I live in florida now, and i see he’s still at it; what a great embassador of track & field. GO LARRY !!!!
Larry, Rich and Dick have been fixtures at Masters meets in the Northeast for many, many years. This latest WR just cinches their status as living legends of our sport.
congratulations to this group of men who put so much commitment and dedication into there running!congrats dad!
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