Irene will be honored at Jesse Owens dinner Thursday.
The worst-kept secret in masters track had its
formal unveiling today in Anaheim. USATF said: “
Myles Marshall and
Irene Obera are the 2014 Youth and Masters Athletes of the Year, USATF announced Monday. … Obera had a phenomenal 2014, setting World and American records at both the 2014 USATF Masters Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Obera’s run at the 2014 USATF Outdoor Championships saw her set [W80] records in the 400 meters (1:39.92), 80m hurdles (19.77), long jump (2.94m/9-7.75), 100 meters (16.81), 200-meter hurdles (42.24) and 200 meters (36.80). Breaking four records and taking three national titles in just one weekend, Obera was named USATF Athlete of the Week after her phenomenal performances at the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships.

 With new World and American record times in three running events, Obera took titles in the W80 division for the 60, 200 and 400 meters. Masters records are ratified annually in December. She finished the 60m in 10.37, won the 200m in 36.53 and defeated the quartermile field with her time of 1:34.25.

 Not to be overlooked, Obera was also impressive in the throws, surpassing the current shot put record with her mark of 6.76m/22-2.25. She was eventually overtaken in the event and finished as runner-up, but ended her weekend with three national titles despite not competing in a national championship in three years. Obera, who had not raced in the 400m since the 1990s, came out of her retirement because her competitive nature compelled her to do. Marshall and Obera will be honored Thursday evening at the USATF Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction as part of USATF’s Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.â€
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