M90 seeks world record for ‘1600 meters’ — OK, whatever you say
Strange story in the New Orleans paper. It says an M90 gent named John Boots is training for the world record at 1600 meters. Say what? Did he mean mile? Did he say 1500 meters? Confusing as hell. In any case, John ran the 1500 in 11:50 last year (at a meet where all the races were hand-timed apparently.) The listed M90 world record is 8:07.17 by Holger Josefsson of Sweden. Good luck, John.
Scott Threlkeld photo of John stretching, appearing in the Times-Picayune. He'll run at Ohio nationals
Here’s the story, in case the link goes souther:
At age 92, John Boots’ goals go far beyond just living another day. With all that life continues to offer, being sedentary isn’t on the radar, as far as he’s concerned.
Boots recently competed in the Senior Olympics games held in Texas, competing in the 1,600-meter run, and he soon will be headed to the United States Track and Field Masters Championships in Ohio. High atop the agenda is a top-four world ranking in the 90 and older age group.
There was no lack of motivation in his mind.
“When I turned 90 two years ago, I wanted to break the world record in the 1,600,” Boots said. “I’m best at that event, and I generally set a goal every year to achieve the mark. But, I haven’t run a road race in quite some time.”
The mitigating factor that kept him out of action was a back injury he incurred while working around his house. Never one to remain idle, it did teach Boots that there are some times his body reminds him of the importance of rest.
“It’s not quite as easy to recover quickly at my age,” Boots lamented. “I’ll go to masters track meets and train in whatever way I can. There’s going to be some good competition in my age group.”
In the St. Tammany Parish Senior Games two years ago, Boots was ever so close, missing out on the world record for the 800-meter run by one second. With additional training time between now and July, the distance is closing, and his confidence is increasing.
“If I can get a national ranking and world ranking, I know I’ll be in the top four,” he said. “Despite the time away, I can still win.”
One Response
Ken, I’m guessing the ‘reporter’ didn’t know a 1500 from a 1600 from a mile. Mr. Boots probably said the correct distance and the reporter got it wrong.
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