M90s bring the speed—and comeback drama—in 60-meter duel

Here’s the Finn at 2009 worlds.

This is a treat. Eurosport video has gone viral, especially on Facebook, showing Finland’s Ilmari Koppinen and Belgium’s Emiel Pauwels in the 60-meter finals March 21 at the Eurovets indoor championships in San Sebastian. Since one is 94 and the other 95 (but separated by only 11 months, both born in 1918), they both won gold, of course. Results for M95 are here. And results for M90 are here. Of course, the younger gent won. But by a whisker. Nice to see the Finn still flying. And here’s my Lahti salute to the elder statesmen of track and field.

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March 30, 2013

3 Responses

  1. Tom Phillips - March 30, 2013

    I have no idea why or on what basis EVAA calculate medal standards for M90 and above, but sadly the official results show that neither of these true gents was fast enough to win a medal. Shame, shame, I say.

  2. Ken Stone - March 30, 2013

    OMG, Tom! You are right!

    I posted image of medal standards here:
    http://masterstrack.com/2013/03/24668/

    Standards for under 60 might be OK. But over 90? Fuhgeddaboutit!

  3. A Master's Runner - April 1, 2013

    Now THAT was awesome.

    What a life!

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