Earl Fee fetches two more world records: M80 400 and 800
Earl’s next goal: sub-70 at 80?
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Earl Fee is feeling frisky. After turning 80 at Landover nationals, he’s taken aim at every long-sprint and middle-distance record on the books. Over the weekend, he snagged two more: M80 world outdoor records in the 400 and 800. They were set at the USATF Southeastern Regional Masters Championships (aka the Bob Boal meet) at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Entrant Bob Weiner reports: “Earl Fee, 80 years old, of Ontario, Canada, set TWO WORLD RECORDS . . . for men 80 and over: 400 meters, with a 70.64 (old record 72.85), and 800 meters, with a 2:53.29, breaking a 27-year-old record of 2:53.5.” That two-lap record, set in 1982 by the legendary Harold Chapson, was the oldest 800 best on the books. Most men are thrilled to beat their age in the 400. Earl beat his age by nearly 10 seconds, one of the biggest differentials in masters history. (Wilhelm Selzer, 75, ran 65.34, and Hugh Coogan, 70, clocked 60.77.) On the Age-Graded Tables, Earl’s marks are equivalent to open (age 20-30) times of 42.96 and 1:47.49. Nice runs, Earl.
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The Great Earl was fabulous yesterday. I had the privilege of announcing his 400 – the man is unstoppable. I also had the distinct honor of announcing his 800 later in the day. In that race The Great Earl was feeling the effects of his 400 and actually looked a bit flat on the backstretch of the second lap. He rallied, however, to a record performance.
I don’t have the official times yet, but Charles Allie was also sensational. He broke the American M60 mark in the 400, then came back later to absolutely drill the 200, even though he missed the mark. As I said at the dinner last night, Charles is really in a zone.
Earl Fee is example of excellence in Masters Track.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at the 2009 Indoor Nationals. We both exchanged what events we had both competed in and our times. He first told me what his times were and then when he told me he was 80 I couldn’t believe it.
Earl then told me about his book that he published. After reading his amazing book I understood how it was possible to run like he does.
I can only imagine how many world records he is going to break in his 80’s.
Earl Fee’s athletic ability and knowledge of the sport is remarkable. I suggest everyone to read it.
Earl you truly are an inspiration.
Attention to detail ! Thats Earl Fee. In his training, his warm ups, warm downs, food, lifestyle, etc. This is what you need to be a world champion as well as ability, fitness and heart.
My advice is read the book of EARL’s.
“The complete guide to running”
I have known Earl for five years. I look 5 years older, he does not seem to age.
Good luck Earl, you deserve every accolade.
I follow Earls book the complete guide to running and use it to coach athletes all over Ireland as a coach of 28 years and world Heptathlon champion for the last 3 years it is invaluable. I use this book like a bible and carry it with me before races to motivate myself. The great Earl is not only an inspiration to his home country but is admired and respected here in Ireland by all the young and the not so young for his advice and coaching tips which he imparted while promoting his latest book How to be a hundred years young the Natural way.Congratulations on his recent world records keep them coming.
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