Lahti Day 2: Rain at end can’t dampen thrilling multis, WRs

Emil Pawlik won the M70 decathlon, running the 1500 in a downpour last night at worlds. Rita Hanscom learned she had broken Phil Raschker’s W55 WR in the heptathlon at the awards ceremony. Bill Murray needed three massage/chiropractic sessions to survive a pinched nerve in his back to win the M55 deca and set an American record. Becky Sisley fell short of her own record in the W70 hep but took home gold. And Marie Kay (W45) and Rolf Geese (M65) set stunning world records on Day 2 of the Lahti meet. No time for details (I have a 100 heat to run soon. Day 3 dawned sunny, FYI). But check out the first photos for my Lahti Gallery.

Bill Murray gets nice air as his M55 decathlon rivals celebrate his golden effort.

Print Friendly

July 29, 2009

12 Responses

  1. KimW - July 30, 2009

    Ken, can’t thank you enough for keeping us up to date. Great results from everyone. Love the pciture too. That pretty much sums up my experience of masters track – the great camaraderie, competition and support.

  2. Don Drummond - July 30, 2009

    Way to go Bill Murray and the rest of the Champions! I will be seeking some of that massage/chiropractic sessions to survive the hurdle rounds. GO USA!!!!!!!!

  3. Maria D. - July 30, 2009

    The photo of Bill Murray being hoisted into the air by his M55 Decathlon competitors chokes me up the same way seeing Olympic medalists on the podium does. Wow. I love this sport.

  4. Carmel Papworth-Barnum - July 30, 2009

    Fast times in Women’s 100’s. Here’s a wrap up…

  5. peter taylor - July 30, 2009

    If the wind was legal for Renee’s race that is an American record for W45 (current record is 12.50). You go, Jet.

  6. Keith McQuitter - July 30, 2009

    I HAVE PUSHED BILL in competation for the past 3 years,so I know how good he has gotten and how hard he works on the track,glade to see it worked for the good ,well done bill hope to help you bring it in at the indoor world game in cannada ,good job see you later partner

  7. Larry Barnum - July 30, 2009

    The season continues, the beat goes on if you’re over 50 and still are, or gonna be, in shape. They’re a couple more options. Check out this info on Huntsman World Senior Games. You can save yourself $20 if you meet the August 1, early bird registration deadline.

  8. Bubba Sparks - July 30, 2009

    I’ve seen his name forever but I’ve just gotten to know Bill this year. SUPER talent and super guy. What a great photo. It says it all about our sport and why we do it. Bubba

  9. Kimiko Nakatake - July 30, 2009

    Wind reading for Renee’s race looks like a legal +1.6. Martha Mendenhall won W50 HJ with a mark of 1m52, and Ruthlyn Greenfield-Webster was third in W35 TJ with a leap of 10m76.

  10. al cestero - July 31, 2009

    wow… i can’t say i’m surprised at bill’s feat. he’s been tearing it up lately, improving substantially his marks from previous years, something that’s difficult as we all know. the photo of him being tossed is a great one. although i’m halfway around the world from the action i feel as if i’m right there with all of my fellow usa masters. once again i’m reminded of what a great sport ours is and what usa track and field is all about. bill, you’re a true champion, but more importantly, a true gentleman….congrats….albert

  11. JStone - July 31, 2009

    Just to add to Larry’s note…for those of us, of any age, who could not make it to the World Championships, there are still a still plenty of options right here in the good ol’ USA!
    East Coast – Potomac Valley TC has all-comers meets 8/8 & 8/23 and the Potomac Valley Games 9/5 -9/6. http://www.pvtc.org
    Northwest – Club Northwest all-comers meets in Seattle, WA 8/5 & 8/12. http://www.clubnorthwest.org
    Midwest – USATF Ozark Association Championships in St. Charles, MO (St. Louis Metro) 08/08/09. Timing will be FAT. No website…e-mail e.anton@netzero.net or jgstone@budlight.com for meet info & entry form.
    Colorado – Rocky Moutain Masters Games in Ft. Collins, CO (CSU track) 08/29 – 08/30. Track was oversprayed 2 years ago and timing will be FAT.
    http://www.cmtf-club.org/RMMG/RMMG-events.htm

  12. Robert Baker - August 2, 2009

    Congratulations Bill, Emil and Rita. You inspire your fellow masters athletes.

Leave a Reply