M50 champ Michael Waller back home from land of wallabies
Michael Waller has to add another room to his Washington State house to accommodate all his M50 sprint medals this season. A few days ago, he replied to my inquiries on his World Masters Games trip. Michael wrote: “Overall, it was a great experience. The organization was phenomenal. Things ran smoothly (I’m ex-military so hurry up and wait is no problem.) I was impressed how our credentials granted us free public transportation on bus, train and ferries. I met several people who had driven several hours just to see us compete.” Many of Michael’s races are posted on Geoff Bramley’s site, and tonight I noticed dozens more — including field events such as Bubba Sparks’ vault and a variety of other jumps.
Here’s a mash-up of his replies to my quickie Q&A. (Sorry, I’m lazy tonight.)
Michael Waller: I caught a couple of Z’s before embarking on a 4×800 workout this afternoon. I came home with five medals — four gold and one silver. The golds were for the 100 11.59 (meet record), 200 23.73, the 4×100, and the 4×400 of which I anchored both (kinda like you in Lahti 4×1).
The silver was in the 400. I lost by 1/100 of a second. (tight finish). 53.46. No age-group records — as I was extremely focused on competing in and finishing every one of my 11 races. This was my first world encounter, so I was unsure about how to manage my energy and efforts. You’ll see me backing off even in my finals.
The aim became fast enough to win, get the gold.
I was treated quite well by the athletes, fans, sports-med staff and most officials. They were very good about answering questions and being helpful. (The registration snafu I later found out was due to printer issues.)
Some of my biggest fans were other athletes from other countries. I got there with some light tendonitis behind the right knee which had come from favoring a pretty serious left ham pull in early September, but I had absolutely no problems until a little tightness just before the relays. It was all good. . . .
And lastly it was really cool to me and an honor to “hang” with such great American sprinters on the practice track as Bill Collins, Charles Allie, Rick, Brian, Damon, Eric, Al and Eric.
Already daydreaming about Kamloops. . . .
One Response
Michael represented the US with his trademark humility and goodwill. He came within a photo finish of matching Bill Collins and Charles Allie’s sweep of the 3 sprints. All 3 of them are class individuals, with humility and talent by the truckloads. The US track family can be very proud of their sprinting accomplishments and the grace with which they represent their country.
The thrill of the meet, for me, was watching Michael cruise the anchor leg of the4x400 with a huge lead, which sent me home with a medal of my own.
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