Collins: ‘The greatest award of all . . . friendships’
If England’s Winston Thomas sends you unsolicited email, consider it good news. So we learn from Houston’s Bill Collins, who said it was a note from Winston (the WMA secretary) around noon Oct. 12 that informed him of being named IAAF Best Master of 2006. Bill confirms that he’ll attend the IAAF Gala in Monaco on Nov. 12, where he and Germany’s Melitta Czerwenka-Nagel will be formally recognized. I thought I’d put Bill on the spot by asking: “How does this award compare with USATF National Masters Athlete of the Year and Geezerjock of the Year?” Bill began: “Every award has a special place in my heart. This one . . . would go to the top of the list.”
Bill continued:
“But the greatest award of all has been the development of friendships that have come from track and field like yourself. Ken, when it’s all said and done the awards are great, but it’s the friendships which will go on forever.”
The rest of my quickie Q&A:
Which of your M55 world records are you most proud of? Or: Which of these records will be the hardest to beat?
Bill: The 100 meters, seeing I had to use the standing start this year. was the hardest. The time is a good one each year we lose a little speed, so that one I will have to work harder on.
Can you improve on any of these records in 2007?
Bill: Yes
Do you plan to compete in Riccione next summer?
Bill: Yes
Do you have your eyes on any other M55 records? The 400, for example?
Bill: The 400 meters, my problems here is at most meets I have so many races to run, and that race takes a lot out of you. But I would like to give it a shot.
What keeps you motivated after you’ve reached the summit of your sport?
Bill: My drive come from family and friends.
Me again: The listed M55 indoor world record for 400 is 53.20 by Jamaica’s Alston Brown in 2004. The listed M55 outdoor WR is 52.24 by American Charles Allie in 2003.
This year, Bill ran 54.22 indoors and 53.05 outdoors. He has the speed, no doubt. But he’ll need the focus as well. 100 and 400 are different animals.
Which one will show up at Riccione?
Bill’s competition will include the medalists from the Eurovets meet this summer:
1 Felicetti, Vincenzo M57 Italy 54.82
2 Minting, Robert M56 Great Britain 55.58
3 Debonnaire, Daniel M58 France 57.96
Also include an M50 sprinter from Britain moving up to M55 in 2007:
3 Walcott, Geoff M54 Great Britain 53.89
Unfortunately, Dr. Stephen Peters of Britain will be 54 next summer. This year, at age 53, he won the Eurovets 400 title with a 52.69.
Bill and Steve may have to wait until 2008.
As will we all.
2 Responses
Bill,
Your accomplishments have been nothing else but spectacular.
I truly admire your will to compete hard year after year.
You keep up the hard work that you really enjoy.
Sal
Bill you have had a sensational year and no one is more deserving of this award. What I find most impressive is your consistancy year to year.You are truly a class act on and off the track. It is a pleasure to know you.I wish you continued success for many years to come–Mark Cleary
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