Day 7: Jumpers soar, then join the mortals at Lahti party
The seventh of 10 competition days at Lahti worlds featured some high-profile jump contests, including the M50 at the main stadium, where Bruce McBarnette won with 1.90 but missed an American record 1.95. Temps were in the 60s. But no rain today. In the M55 event, Jaroslav Lorenc of the Czech Republic won at Radiomaki stadium — up a steep road from the main venue. Jaroslav, a 2.14 jumper in his youth, won at 1.75 after an amazing three-step approach and later dropped his shorts, effectively mooning the crowd for about a minute. USA’s Glenn Sasser won the M65 shot at 13.93, Oregon’s Becky Sisley won the W70 vault at 2.10 and L.A.’s Johnnye Valien won the W80 vault at 1.10. At 5:30 p.m., a couple dozen USA athletes met at a lakefront boat/bar for a beer mixer, and some went on to the 35 Euro athletes banquet at nearby Sebelius Hall.
Jaroslav Lorenc won the M55 high jump with style reminiscent of Valeri Brumel.
The party featured an all-you-can-eat buffet of salads with salmon and hot dishes with salmon. It was all good. Afterward, a Finnish pop singer entertained athletes with a band and dance music in Finnish and English. About 500 people attended.
Rex Harvey and Stan Perkins, both well-dressed, made their final rounds of delegates, seeking their votes in Wednesday’s WMA presidential election.
Lots of stories were swapped at the party, and here’s one I can share publicly:
According to several high-placed WMA officials, some 300 athletes — mostly from India and Mexico and one or two from Kazakhstan — showed up at Lahti without lodging. They were properly entered, having met the deadlines. They just didn’t bother to arrange for housing. I’m told that they’re bunking down at a local gymnasium, on cots, for 20 Euros a night — about $30.Â
I’ve posted a few other party shots on my Lahti gallery. Many more to come when time avails.
Athletes and guests danced at the Sebelius Hall party after a buffet dinner.
M85 jumper Tom Patsalis cuts the rug with W65 race walker Jolene Steigerwalt.
M55 blogger with Sarah Lawson, Joy Upshaw-Margerum and Martha Mendenhall.
4 Responses
Ken, it looks like you are having a good time.
WMA: Stan Perkins is the new president of the World Masters Association. It was close, 62 votes for Mr. Perkins, 61 votes for our Rex Harvey. Next, Friedel Funk (USA) lost against Vesa Lappalainen (Finland) for vice-chairman in the WMA. Friedel Funk also decided against another run for treasurer and Francesco de Feo (Italy took over. Last, not least, Serge Beckers (Belgium) beat our Sandy Pashkin in the race for yet another vice-presidency. All in all, it was a pretty dismal day for our representatives.
Sibelius I suppose, not Sebelius.
There has to be a better picture of Jaroslav Lorenz :-).
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