Belated congrats to Jai Black: W50 American record in 400
Saturday’s San Diego Senior Games saw Willie Banks crush a high jump AR and Christa Bortignon take down an 80-meter hurdles WR (but not the 200, as we learned today. See below). But results also show W50 Jai Black running 61.96 in the 400. That’s just off the listed American record of 61.89 by Phil Raschker at 1997 Durban worlds. But it turns out that Jai (pronounced Jay, not Jie), born June 4, 1962, ran 61.38 at the June 30 Chuck McMahon meet in San Marcos. (See results.) Record is hers! (I was at some meet in Eugene and was totally oblivious. Sorry.) Jai is the W45 world champ from Sacramento, and she could easily defend her title in Brazil if finances allow. Meanwhile, Jim Waters with the San Diego Senior Games writes: “In compiling the results from the … Track and Field meet, I discovered that the reported time of 33.39 by Christa Bortignon in the women’s 200 meters race is not accurate. Her actual time is 36.01.”
12 Responses
Jai Black is a marvelous talent, and she deserves every accolade coming her way. As for her 61.38 in the 400, I didn’t remember it immediately but quickly went to the appropriate computer file to update my marks.
I was surprised to find that I already had the 61.38 for Jai; it was reported on masterstrack.com on July 1, 2012. Regardless, it did not make “pending” status at http://www.usatf.org, even though some much more recent marks (from August 2012) are shown as pending. I will continue to follow this situation.
And yes, I now see that the first “related post” is the one from July 1 of this year. Still, my reading of the story today gave me the impression that this had gone unreported. Sorry.
Jai is a fantastic athlete and a wonderful person too. Congratulations!
The secret is out: My memory is gone.
Yes, Peter. I reported Jai Black’s mark at the time — and completely forgot that I had:
http://masterstrack.com/2012/07/22825/
But hey. I don’t mind running more shots of Jai.
Great job, Jai. I hope that you are STILL celebrating!
Jai, we gotta come up with a superhero nick-name for you. How about “Doctor J” of track? Already used? darn. Hmmmmmm. Well I’ll think of something. Congrats girl! (((Hi-5)))
Keep it up Jai….Wish I could have seen your American Record….
Sully
@ Linda Carty. How about Ja-Flo Like in Flo-Jo.
Thanks to all for the kind words.
I really enjoy competing in Masters Track and Field.
Much love to my friends for their support and encouragement.
Congrats(again)SUPER JAI!!
AWESOME!!!! Keep up the great work, speedy!!!
Congrats, Jai, you are AMAZING!!
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