Bradstock brings in the clones: A picture of perfection
Roald Bradstock also replied to my Q&A request (days ago), and sent along a cool multi-exposure throwing sequence as well. Roald, of course, is our 45-year-old stud who took 12th at Indy open nationals (beating eight in the process and becoming the oldest javelin thrower ever to compete at the USATF Championships). Took an American record to beat him. I asked how he was treated. Roald began: “Absolutely fine . . . unlike previous years. One year I was denied entry to the stadium because only athletes were allowed on the track.”
Roald continued:
I was a bit surprised as I was carrying a dozen javelins and had athlete credentials.
Another year, I was asked to stop warming up because there was a competition going on — the USA nationals.”The best experience, however, was in 2002 at Stanford when in the middle of the competition I had the head field judge and someone else come up to me and ask for my credentials. Apparently coaches were not allowed on the infield, I asked if I could throw first and then show them my credentials. I threw and when I came back the judge had gone. Hmmm?
Masterstrack.com: Have any interesting chats with Mr. Greer, other entries?
Roald: Yes I talked to Breaux. I told him before the meet I wanted for both of us to break our respective American javelin records in the same competition. After his throw he said: “OK, I did my part; now it’s your turn.” Unfortunately, I didn’t get any more throws.
Were you throwing injury-free?
Yes, I was and am injury free so no excuses there.
Where did you stay at Indy?
AmeriSuites.
Did you see much of the rest of the meet?
Unfortunately not to much.
Any stories worth telling from your latest (but not last) nationals?
After the competition, I had quite a few people come up to me saying how inspired they were — very cool. Others asked how old I was. I heard from several people that when I first went out on the field people in the stands thought I was someone that should not be out there. Then they saw me throw.
After the meet I met up with several of the other throwers for a few beverages. It seems everyone had conceded to Breaux winning the meet. However, everyone was terrified that they might be beat by some “Old Fart” — their words not mine.
Roald also pointed out that Greer was the second-oldest thrower at Indy — 15 years younger.
Roald writes: “Breaux Greer won by an amazing 16m (53ft) and broke his own American Record and won his eight consecutive national title. A video of his winning 91.29m ( 299ft 6” ) and World leading throw can be seen macthrowvideo.com/BGreerHDAR.mov
“I have been throwing for a very long time. Breaux is so, so unique. If — and that is a big if — he can remain injury free for the next year, I believe he will throw 100m. Maybe they will consider changing the name of the sport to “Field & Track” is he can accomplish this! It is going to be a fun ride to watch.”
Almost as fun as watching Roald.
Roald writes of the photo below:
“The attachment . . . is the “Dartfish Stromotion” image taken of me throwing in 2003. It has already been in Time magazine, Muscle and Fitness and Athletics Weekly amoungst other publications. I just found out it is now going to be published in a book.”
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One Response
That’s a great photo and a tremendous performance. What an inspiration!
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