Daprano’s double-record day deserves plaudits
I made up that stuff about Cebron Robinson entering nationals just to donate his entry fee to masters track. But this I couldn’t invent: Five years after setting W65 indoor records in the 800 and mile at the Boston indoor nationals, Jeanne Daprano did it again (with a twist)! On Saturday, she lowered her age group’s American 400 record to 1:25.97 three hours after lowering the world mile record. Now 70, Jeanne ran the mile in 7:04.15 to defeat Mary Harada and Mary’s W70 world indoor record of 7:12.59 set at this meet last year. The 7:04 is equivalent to an age 20-30 mark of 4:26.20! The mark is even superior to the listed W70 outdoor world record of 7:15.68!
The only thing more incredible than Jeanne’s performances at Boston are the lack of recognition she got for them.
My excuse? I was gone all Saturday for a high school Jazz Band event with my son. (And then was busy with chores Sunday.) Not so easy to excuse is the omission of Jean’s records from the USATF press coverage from Boston.
Although Jill Geer, the USATF media chief, overall did a fine job chronicling the meet (held not far from where she lives), she inexplicably left out Jeanne’s records in her Saturday summary from nationals.
I ask forgiveness for not taking special note of all the records set at Boston. Frankly, there were a ton, including scads by new W65 Nadine O’Connor and new W60 Phil Raschker.
And I’m still not caught up with Eurovets results, where no doubt records fell like rain in Helsinki, Finland.
My apologies to all for the Cebron sarcasm and the Daprano bonk.
4 Responses
Hey Ken
If you want to throw in a little sarcasm along with a sense of humor…why not? It’s your blog, your website and your time. I thought it was fairly obvious you were kidding about the “philanthropist”
No need to apologize. How about a little gratitude from the blog readers and responders. I’m sure plenty of “the right” stories are soon to come.
Way to go Jeannie!. It was like yesterday when we competed in Melbourne (1987). Kind regards and keep been an inspiration to the younger guys (I will be 65 in August!!)
Well, I sure do feel like an idiot- totally missed Ken’s “joke.” So, Mr. Robinson submitted unreal marks and was a no-show in Boston. I don’t think that merits the meanspirited comments from some of the posters here (including our Blogmaster.) Take a look at Steve Vaitones’ comments on the previous thread about Mr. Robinson for a more generous point view. However, I do agree with Leigh that blog coverage of the “right” stories should be the priority.
Congratulations to Jeanne on her fine accomplishment!! A time this woman 20 years her junior could only dream about.
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