M90 Rogers on his WRs: ‘I don’t really know how I did it’

Orville Rogers, 90, got some well-deserved ink from his local Dallas paper yesterday, and he’s one modest stud. Orville told Debbie Fetterman of his Boston WR exploits: “I don’t really know how I did it. It was only three or four months ago that I realized I could be competitive. I’ve been working such a short time.” The story reveals that Orville recently became a widower, losing his wife of 64 years. I suspect that he took some of the grief out on the track. But he’s a survivor, no doubt. Good for you, Orville. I’m sure Esther was cheering from that big grandstand in the sky.

Here’s the story, in case the link goes buh-bye:

USA track honors 90-year-old Dallasite for world marks

08:38 PM CDT on Thursday, April 3, 2008
Dallasite Orville Rogers was named USA Track & Field’s athlete of the week Wednesday after setting world records at the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships last weekend in Boston.
Rogers, 90, ran the mile in 9 minutes, 56.58 seconds on Saturday, shattering the previous world record of 11:23 for men 90-94.
On Sunday, Rogers clocked a 4:19.97 in the 800-meters to blast the previous age-group world record of 4:50.81.
“I don’t really know how I did it,” Rogers said. “It was only three or four months ago that I realized I could be competitive. I’ve been working such a short time.”
Rogers, a runner since he turned 50, overcame several health issues and is still mourning the death last month of his wife of 64 years, Esther Beth.
Two weeks ago, Rogers had a bout with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. The medication his doctor prescribed to treat the condition winded Rogers and left him unable to train. He also pulled a hamstring that bothered him during both events.
“I just toughed it out,” he said.
Rogers even came down with a nasty cold in Boston, which has worsened upon his return to Dallas.
Rogers said he plans to take a few weeks off to recover from the cold and let his hamstring heal. Then, he hopes to go for world records in other distances including 3,000- and 400-meters.
“Half the battle is just showing up,” Rogers said, referring to the fact that there were only two other competitors in his age group. “I can’t believe I got here so quickly.”