George Haywood calls his shot: try for M60 WR in the 400?
“We baby boomers are very concerned with physical and mental decline,” says M60 world champion hurdler George Haywood in a great Washington Post story on masters athletes. “What many of us do not realize is how much of that decline is avoidable if one does the right things.” Lots of neat revelations in Tuesday’s story by Mike Plunkett: “Haywood, a private investor in his day job, says he is faster now than he was as a student in 1969.” And “Haywood said he feels his best days are ahead of him. He plans to compete in a 400-meter dash in Florida next month. He’s always looking for ways to improve. ‘It’s fascinating to lower your times. There’s always another goal out there,’ Haywood said. ‘I don’t have any individual world records. I don’t know if I could, but I would like to try.’” Ralph Romain holds M60 WR of 53.88 from 1995 Buffalo worlds.
Dramatic shot of a buff George by Katherine Frey of The Washington Post.
12 Responses
Ken, thanks for the coverage, but no way am I gunning for a WR in the M60 400. My goal is more realistic- I haven’t gone sub-60 seconds yet this year (my best is 60.22) and I want to do that. I didn’t get there in Lyon, my legs being tired from three days in a row of the 300 hurdles with the 400 starting the next day. My best 400 last year was 58.25- if I could do that I would be satisfied. Ralph Romain can rest peacefully.
George ran very smart at World’s, that and being in great shape helped him to win Gold!
And part of the reason I ran smart was that I got a helpful pre-finals tip from the best M50 long hurdler in the world, Tony Echeandia.
Nice Article!!
Great for George to get the publicity.
My interaction with George is that he class guy and a great runner.
Great story George!
George, you’re becoming a famous guy — good for you. I’d love to see you compete in a big meet that’s less than 4 months away, our indoor nationals in Albuquerque.
As you recall, George, your friend Bill Collins ran 24.32 (200) and 55.68 (400) there 5 years ago at age 60. Hard to believe that Bill turns 65 soon; he still runs like a collegian.
As you also remember, George, Antwon Dussett ran a stunning 21.67 in the 200 at Albuquerque in 2011 to set an M35 mark. Finally, you recall that Michael Sullivan ran 52.44 in Albuquerque in 2011 to set an M50 record in the 400.
George, you would add a lot of luster to the 2016 indoor nationals in Albuquerque. If I am selected as the announcer (at this point I have not been chosen) I will give you a very nice introduction. I’m hoping that some other top sprinters will join you to compete on that lightning-fast track.
I still remember you asking me about training for the long hurdles at th National Senior Games in Houston. Now I need to be asking you for training tips. Great year, I really enjoyed at least being in the same finals with you in Lyon. You are a remarkable athlete.
I had the privilege of celebrating with George and Family after his 300IH win in Lyon. A very memorable experience from a class act. Congratulations George and continued success.
George…you are a class act. Thanks for the opportunity for me to drop down and run with you on the 60+ M 4×100 and 4×400 in Lyon. We placed 4th and 3rd respectively..and I had a blast.
Thank you George, you will keep improving just be aggressive!!
George, you have always taken your training seriously and you approach it with keen analysis and disciplined nutrition and recovery. I have enjoyed our conversations as you and I have discussed how to train and race better -and I know I have learned from them. 2015 has been a great year for you. We teamed with Dave Schmanski and Horace Grant to break one of the longest standing relay records on the books this past summer -the M60 4×800 and you guys let me move down to “sprint” a 400 for our Bronze medal finish in the 4×400 at Worlds in Lyon. And finally, I was able to watch you run a perfectly executed 300 hurdle final and become World Champion! A great and much deserved year! I wish you even more for 2016.
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