Illinois writer reads masters records, takes the mistaken bait
When age-group records err, it’s not just athletes who are wronged. It’s anyone who reads about the records from erroneous press accounts. Latest example concerns Charlie Kern, the M35 indoor national champ in the Landover mile and 3000. Charlie would eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner in any race from 5 meters on up, but he’s nowhere near being the best American age-grouper in these indoor distances. In suburban Chicago’s Daily Herald, Dave Oberhelman writes: “Charlie Kern stands a good chance of global conquest. The former York assistant track and cross country coach set new two age-division American records at the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships, March 20-21.” I’ve detailed the mistakes here and here. And here’s a flub I didn’t recognize until now: USATF’s Day 2 press release from Landover refers to “Charlie Klein.” Can’t even get his name right. Sheesh squared!
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Leaving aside the question of records (on which I’ve probably spoken too much), let me congratulate Charlie Kern on his brilliant performances in the mile and 3000. Charlie added a lot to the Landover meet, and I hope to see him at Oshkosh for our outdoors (will be a relatively short trip for most people who live in Illinois).
Go Charlie Go!
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