Bill huffed and puffed his way to another national sprint title — his 5 millionth. Dave Albo photo
guaranteed himself another world record Saturday. At LSU nationals, for the second time this season, he beat the listed M65 WR of 12.37 for 100 (by
Steve Robbins and a Slovak) with his 12.34 into a 0.8 mps wind. At Penn in April, Bill
zipped 12.33, which really should be vetted and posted by now. (Records czar
Jeff Brower’s Google Doc says that mark awaits a FAT photo and zero-control test, which must have been done at such an important meet.) Also assured a WR is W100
Julia Hawkins, who can count on her Baton Rouge 40.12 to be her age group’s debut 100 WR if her National Senior Games’ 39.62 doesn’t pass muster. She was such a star the
Washington Post covered her. But two 64-year-olds served notice that they have Bill’s 100 mark in their sights a year from now.
Damien Leake beat
Oscar Peyton 12.23 to 12.32 in their M60 showdown. As expected, “Grandpa”
William Bell became the oldest vaulter on record by clearing 1.35 (4-5) on his first try. He passed 1.40 (4-7), then had his first miss of the morning at 1.45 (4-). Three and out. Still, he secured an M95 WR for the world to chase.
Damien Leake edges Oscar Peyton for the second straight year in M60 100. Both will be M65 next year, when both challenge Bill Collins’ WR. Dave Albo photo
USATF also reports that W65 Myrle Mensey sent the 12-pound weight flying a mighty 17.20 (56-5 1/4) on her final try, upping her own listed American record of 16.81 (55-2) and leaving her 5 inches short of the listed WR.
Olympian Earl Bell’s dad, William, didn’t have a single miss until his final height in setting the inaugural M95 world vault record. Dave Albo photo
— who picked up his David Pain Distinguished Service Award at the athletes banquet, reports a W50 American record in the 4×80 shuttle hurdle relay — a stunning 56.81 by
Karen Maxwell, Regina Richardson, Koura Gibson and
Joy Upshaw, which crushed the listed AR of 59.20 from 2012.
But for a stiff headwind of 1.6 mps, Bob Lida’s might have claimed an M80 WR for the 100, beating the 20-year-old listed WR of 14.35 by Payton Jordan. Bob clocked 14.67 to win his race by more than 2 seconds.
At least they didn’t have to run indoors — as yet more events moved undercover on Day 3 amid another lightning storm. Sunday’s forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of rain. Thunderstorms could drive the 200, 1500 and relays indoors, along with the field events.
Call this meet snakebit, and learn from it.
4 Responses
Very strange being sent inside while it remained sunny outside. Construction work never stopped, the kids playing ultimate never stopped. Many just chose to hang outside. That being said, it was amazing that they could even pull off such a switch. Impressive crew.
Bill, lobby all your wins, records, and accomplishments, to get this into the Games. So we can take this to the next level, before our time comes. I know Sebastian and Edwin are talking about it.
Great story on former NMN publisher a Suzy Hess, now Wojcik after marriage to Jerry, the former managing editor:
http://registerguard.com/rg/life/lifestyles/35756607-74/lifelong-athletes-still-feel-the-thrill.html.csp#
Regarding the records set at Penn Relays they have now been ratified. We do our best to collect all the signatures and information at the meet but it’s certainly not easy! Everything had been collected for these records so I’m not sure what the delay was.
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