M45 javelin record is Bradstock’s latest masterpiece
Yet another record is apparent from the Bob Boal Southeastern Masters meet results. We learn from fellow spearchucker Chuck Greene: “Arne-Roald Bradstock, member of Great Britain’s 1984 and 1988 Olympic teams — more recently a U.S. citizen — launched the 800-gram javelin 68.80 (225-9) at the Southeastern meet in Durham, North Carolina, on May 4.” The listed M45 American Record is 67.55 (221-7) by Mike Brown in 1999. Arne, a former SMU track star, lives in Atlanta and turned 45 just a few weeks ago.
Chuck continues: “Mr. Bradstock is focused squarely on breaking the existing M45 World Record of 70.96 (232-10), set by Finland’s Jorma Markus in 2002. How about that!”
Indeed! Our belated huzzahs and attaboys.
His record throw is described on a javelin discussion board.
Arne’s form is shown in this series of photos from the 2004 Olympic Trials. And here’s something he wrote a couple years ago.
Arne also is an artist. This press release even calls him the official artist of USATF.
A 2002 review in The New York Times says:
Paintings by Roald Bradstock reflect his background as an athlete, combining sports imagery with abstract patterning designed to represent the energy generated by athletes in action. Sadly, the results are far too decorative and formulaic to express the dynamism he seeks.
If I were the reviewer, I’d be careful of such pointed criticism. This artist may be quiet, but he carries a big stick.
