Germany sending a skeleton crew to Kamloops WMA meet
Deadline for entries is still three weeks off, but according to the Koops’ site, only 21 Germans have entered the 2010 World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships in Kamloops, British Columbia. How bad is that? Well, in 2006, when indoor worlds was held in Linz, Austria, nearly 900 Germans signed up. So don’t expect many heats, I guess. Unless North Americans step up, it appears the Kamloops meet — the fourth indoor worlds — will be the smallest by far. But don’t count on Team USA. As of last night, I saw only 40 in the USATF Status of Entries. Will Canada make up the shortfall? Will Mexico flood the zone? Stay tuned.
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It took about three weeks for my entry to appear under “Status” and I have other friends who aren’t showing up yet who know have entered.
Is there a link on the meet website that shows all entries from all countries? I know that for WMG in Sydney we were able to see updated entries on a regular basis? Thanks! Bubba
WMA meets usually list all the entries – long after entries are closed – and if I remember correctly – fairly close to meet time. I hope Kamloops will do that.
RE US entries – I am going and I know of a number of USA masters who are going and none of us show up online yet. I have yet to send in my entry form – seems to be the same for others. It is on my to-do list for this weekend. (for what that is worth).
I suspect that some are waiting to make transportation arrangements -and see what the cost will be.
I doubt there will be many from outside of north america making the very long and expensive trip to Kamloops.
Having just looked at the Koops website (google translation is ok -but pretty hilarious in some places) -it seems that the German masters have a national indoor meet in mid-February. Why would many of them then go home,pack up and spend big Euros to fly all the way to Kamloops? No wonder there are only 21 of them signed up at the moment. The Europeans are pretty averse to coming to the states – but of course they can avoid having to do that by flying via Canada and not having to bother with USA security theatre. And many of them are probably saving their Euros for 2011 in sunny and hot California in July rather than spend them in 2010 in snowy and chilly Kamloops in March.
I hope that many USA masters will go – the next WMA indoors will be in Finland in 2012 – lemme tell you – Kamloops is much closer than Finland for those in flyover country and the wsst coast.
Hey Ken,whats with the”flood the zone with Mexicans”.Please clarify.How about Panamanians,Jamaicans,Guatemalans and all those central american and caribbean nations that were in Florida last year.
Don’t forget that in Kamloops there will be a flat track…
The German text from the national federation says that the athletes should not forget to enter. So I suppose many more Germans will be in Kamloops.
WELL im still plaining to go so im shore im not the only one,money ant easy to come by
Annette Koop, on her personal blog, writes about the lack of German interest and speaks for herself.
Here is a crude translation of her blog post:
Although I do not believe that) at the German Athletics Federation (DLV alarm bells are already ringing particularly flashy, but still a little bell is already audible. The reason: Only 21 German athletes (6) and athletes (15) have been their message for the 4th Made indoor championship for the Elderly in Canada, Kamloops, from 1 to 6 March in the Canadian West to take place. And the deadline has been running in three weeks, on Monday 4 January – ab. It is therefore probably rather only a very small contingent of German lands, makes his way to British Columbia.
So why is that?
I can only speak personally for me. For me a start on this to Sindelfingen (2004), Linz (2006) and Clermont-Ferrand (coming 2008) 4. Athletics Indoor Championships seniors that is not in question, and I think that many other German and European Masters, “which called for us seniors,” (O-Ton Dieter Massin) goes for the same reasons as: the finances, the right time in my (school) work and time shifts to within a few days and back (Kamloops currently 9 hours) let me stay home. Even the venue has prompted me to do so. By that I mean both the city Kamloops, as well as the less attractive Wettkampfstätte.
Dear Americans, Dear Canadians,
Please do not be angry with me, but it must (and will go) without me. But 2011 in Sacramento (USA) I want to be there, in spite of finance, saving time and what not tiring. Provided, however, I am healthy and fit in 20 months. Freu Until then, I myself to the European Championship in NyÃregyháza and in Sindelfingen, Kevelaer and other meetings.
It’s too bad that Kamloops is in the middle of no where and not convenient for Germans, American or probably a lot of Canadians. Also, it follows the Olympics and rental cars are difficult to obtain. In addition, not too many people want to sit on a bus for six hours from Seattle to Kamloops. What’s a flight from anywhere USA non-stop to Kamloops? $1000, $1300? Italy and Finland were cheaper. I know a lot of people are really bummed with the planning, placement, logistics, etc.
To go to Kamloops for Europeans is the same as for us to go to any meet in Europe.Lots of money, time change of 6 hours. We still go there. I was in Linz and because of the time change, I did not do too well as expected, in the hammer throw (5th) as I did not have time to adapt. Two days later in the weight throw( bronz medal and canadian record) I was already adapted and did better than I expected.What I want to say is that we Canadians and Americans have the same problem as the Europeans have.If we want to have the optimal and equal oportunities, we have to travel to the place of competition so many days ahead as the time change is .But then who can afford it. Tough luck, right? Emil Muller the hammer and weight thrower from Canada
I would have to agree with Emil. I have competed in every world championship since 2004 all being in Europe. With the upcoming Championships being in Kamloops our Canadian neighbors I had hoped that cost would be less expensive, but it’s not and I will still find a way to get there. If you want to compete you will find a way to get there. The europeans need to know what we have been going through the last several years traveling to Europe while they can drive and train in to these competition.
The thing everyone has to remember. WE ARE MASTERS ATHLETES. No one is knocking down doors to host our competitions. If Kamloops had not stepped up we would not have a championships.
As much as it may be more than I want to spend, to go to a competition, so close I DO HAVE THE CHOICE NOT TO COMPETE. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Canadian entries for Kamloops are coming in steadily.
For anyone looking for flights to Kamloops there are currently good seatsale fares available from Calgary to Kamloops on Air Canada. Look at Westjet also. Calgary has many direct flights from the US.
Hope to see many Americans in Kamloops, it is a nice new facility and should be a great meet.
Donna Dixon (W45 middle distance) Calgary, AB
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