masterstrack.com

Recently at the USATF Florida meet as I answered the last call for the hurdles I met a fellow hurdler who shared his inspiring story with me. Gail Sterling was an All-State athlete in high school but over the years he ballooned up to 335 lbs. His life changed when he underwent a heart catheterization and was given a second chance. Over the last three years he has lost 100 lbs but lost 80 in the last 18 months after beginning to compete in Masters Track and Field, and through spinning classes. He began to compete last year but just started to hurdle this year. At the USATF Fla meet Gail participated in the hurdles, shot, hammer, javelin, long jump and triple jump (results at usat-ntc.com). At every meet I go to I hear stories of lives changed by getting back "on track" and it always inspires me and these stories can be shared with others who are struggling with health and fitness issues! Thank you Masters Track and Field for changing my lifestyle and KUDOS to Gail Sterling who now teaches 5 spinning classes per week at a local gym in addition to his job as a Realtor! He has accomplished so much already and I wish him luck in Orono this august and continued success in his athletic endeavors. Keep on truckin man!

I met Gail at Charlotte. Here's a photo I took of him:



I'm also in awe of Jai Black of San Diego -- who will go bonkers at Orono in the W45 sprints.

Jai once weighed in the 190s.

Here she is today:

Sweet!! Great job to all!!!!