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Wed Sep 13, 2006 7:04 pm

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Today is Michael Johnson's 39th birthday, and I find my memory floating back to Aug. 1, 1996, when I witnessed the most mind-boggling mark in track history: MJ's 19.32 in the Atlanta 200 final.

(My ticket wasn't for Row 1 near the start of the 200, but I finessed my way down there anyhow, since a bunch of seats were unoccupied.)

For more on Michael, see:
http://www.athletix.org/Athletes/BioJohnsonM.htm

Which leads me to ask:

What's the best mark ever produced by an over-40 athlete?

I once asked that question of longtime NMN editor and publisher Al Sheahen, and he answered:

Quote:
It's about a 15-way tie. A few that come to mind: Ron Taylor's 11.57 100 at age 57; Payton Jordan's 13.64 100 at age 75; Ralph Romain'ss 52.74 400 at age 58; Eamonn Coghlan's 3:58.15 mile at age 41; Derek Turnbull's 16:38.8 5000 at age 65; Guido Mueller's 55.69 400H at age 49; Evy Palm's 32:34 10K at age 46.


But what does Al know?

What's YOUR nomination for the all-time best age-grouper performance?

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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:34 pm

 
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Ken, I suppose you mean the greatest after Al Oerter in the discus don't you? I'd have to go dig out his best discus throw but I am certain it was over 68 meters in his comeback years. And, I think he placed 4th at the 1980 Olympic Trials. After Al Oerter, you'd run into many other throwers who'd still be world class at age 40+, one of the odd little facts I suppose about the throws... athletes mature very late in these areas, I suppose the exact opposite of Ping Pong players who "peak" in their teens!!!

Cheers! Brad Reid



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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:36 pm

 
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I meant to type "after" Al Oerter. BR



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Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:03 am

 
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How about Larry Jessee's M40 5.50m pole vault? :shock:

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Thu Nov 16, 2006 11:16 am

 
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Jesse's mark probably wouldn't be considered because most people do not believe it was a valid jump, even though accepted.



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Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:08 pm

 
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I'm sorry - that was the way the "joke" was intended. In fact I really don't know anyone who accpets it. LOL!!

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Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:14 pm

 
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Who wants to explain that? Thanks



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Fri Nov 24, 2006 11:37 pm

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i would have to say Jan Zelezny's performance this year at age 40 simply amazing, i believe he has set a new world masters record in the javelin for the 800 gram javelin , one great ambassedor for the sport

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