Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Secret German ‘Common Intention Declaration’ a threat to WMA?

Germans are touchy about dictators — for good reason. But a document I recently obtained suggests their track federation demands total subservience when it comes to the Eurovets — aka European Masters Athletics. Already the powerhouse of masters track on the Old Continent, the DLV (German Athletics Federation) has a 500-word “Common Intention Declaration” that […]

April 12, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  8 Comments

Malaga 2018 worlds may let athletes talk back to WMA leadership

World Masters Athletics started as an athlete-driven group called WAVA, fiercely defending the right of every over-35 woman and over-40 man (at the time) to compete at worlds. But the late Al Sheahen sensed an upside-down change — with WMA leadership taking on the trappings of royalty. (Read his still-relevant “Which Way, WMA?“ from 2001. […]

April 11, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  3 Comments

Hayward Masters Classic returns in late April at famed Oregon track

The Eugene Register-Guard reports: “Masters track meet: The early registration deadline for the 35th annual Hayward Classic is April 17. The meet, organized by Oregon Track Club Masters, is April 30 at Hayward Field. It is open to adults 30 and older, and offers a full slate of running, throwing and jumping events. Late entries […]

April 10, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  3 Comments

Masters women’s 100 and mixed 80-plus 100 returning to Penn

Penn Relays masters majordomo Phil Felton shared entry info — even though deadline was Friday. But perhaps you can still sneak in. In any case, he writes: “The two new events from last year, the women’s 100m and the 80+ mixed 100m, have been kept in the program.” The crowd loves the oldest sprinters, and […]

April 9, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  One Comment

Kathy Martin makes SI’s ‘Faces in the Crowd’ after WR rampage

On Sunday, Feb. 29, I nominated Kathy Martin for “Faces in the Crowd” in Sports Illustrated. She had just set W65 world records in the 800 and mile at ABQ nationals, and it’s been my practice to give SI a heads up on notable performers. Though I wanted it to be a surprise for Kathy, […]

April 8, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  4 Comments

Daegu Opening Ceremony rivaled the Olympics (on smaller scale)

I wasn’t in Daegu, but many of my Facebook friends were. They raved about the hospitality. One element was the Opening Ceremony. This 5-minute video devotes a big chunk to the performing acts. They seem professional and energetic. The clips that followed were kind of strange, starting with racewalkers. But a fair mix of throws […]

April 7, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  3 Comments

W75 Marie-Louise Michelson pulled off a Daegu double-double

A month ago, I noted a surprise (to me) American entrant at Daegu — W75 superstar Marie-Louise Michelson. She didn’t show up in last year’s rankings. Now we know why: “I took 2016 off from track in order to do triathlons,” she writes. “I did five of them.” At Daegu, she did a quad — […]

April 6, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  2 Comments

Major meet spiked? WMA regional ‘declined’ by host Juarez, Mexico

The North, Central and Caribbean WMA Championships in Juarez, Mexico, have been canceled, according to a letter provided by a Mexican source. The July 20-23 meet — my subject of scrutiny for safety reasons in January — has been “declined,” writes city Parks and Recs guy Javier Ibarra Molina. The letter is dated April 3 […]

April 5, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  24 Comments

Bob Lida: ‘Nothing more exhilarating than running as fast as I can’

For all his honors — including 2012 WMA Best Male Athlete of the Year — one recognition eluded Bob Lida until last last week. That’s when he won his first USATF Athlete of the Week title. How did he hear of it? “Friend of mine, who is the athletic director at Pittsburg State University in […]

April 4, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  8 Comments

Christa Bortignon pulls off triple double — WRs in LJ and TJ 3 times

World Female Athlete of the Year (2013) Christa Bortignon of Vancouver, British Columbia, has made up for what she calls her “terrible 2016 season,” which included pneumonia and a hip issue. In three weeks — March 11 to April 2 — she competed in three meets and 17 events, including Daegu worlds. She won 17 […]

April 3, 2017   Posted in: Uncategorized  6 Comments