Marie Kay raring to go to Monte Carlo for IAAF Gala honors

Marie Kay in Lahti.

Marie Kay got the email on Oct. 5: You have been selected by World Masters Athletics as an IAAF Masters Athlete of the Year. Her fellow Australian, Peter Crombie, had known about his honor at least two days earlier. But no matter. It would be the first time in the awards’ seven-year history that athletes from the same country were given tickets to the IAAF Gala in Monte Carlo. Some note that Stan Perkins, president of World Masters Athletics, is an Aussie, too. (And someone like Earl Fee had a better record-breaking season.) But Earl was IAAF pick in 2005, so this may have been a spread-it-around choice. In any case, here’s a quickie Q&A with Marie.

Masterstrack.com: How and when did you learn of your selections as IAAF Masters of the Year?

Marie Kay: I received an email from Stan Perkins, president of the WMA, on the 5th October 2010.

What were your reactions and those of friends and family?

Ecstatic all round.

Will you be able to go to Monte Carlo to accept the awards?  Ever been there before?

Yes. My husband, John, and I will be going and no, never before.

What were your biggest achievements this year?  What specific marks?

WR  in the pentathlon (indoors Kamloops). WR in the long jump (outdoor nationals). Oceania records in the pentathlon and 80-meter hurdles. National records in the heptathlon, high Jump and 80m hurdles.  

What are your plans for 2011?  Any record-setting goals?

Win my sixth consecutive world outdoor title in the heptathlon and break the W50 world record, having the indoor and outdoor titles in the multis. I have them in the W45.

What does it mean to be the first honorees from the same country?
 
Awesome. It’s especially nice to celebrate it with the likes of Peter. He is an awesome athlete.

How long have you competed in masters athletics?

Fifteen years, my first world outdoors being in Buffalo, USA.

What is the best part of taking part in this sport?
 
Besides trying to achieve my own goals, the best part for me is meeting and catching up with friends; encouraging others to participate and enjoy this great sport; and encourage a healthy lifestyle. 

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October 13, 2010

3 Responses

  1. Tom Phillips - October 13, 2010

    Interesting point you make, Ken, about Marie, Peter and Stan Perkins all being Aussies.

  2. Linda Carty - October 13, 2010

    Lets here it for the Aussies! How does that chant go they do at the meets?
    “aussie…aussie….oye….”?

    CONGRATS MARIE!!!

  3. Donna Hiscox - October 13, 2010

    Marie and Peter are more than well deserving of this award and Stan being Australian would not have influenced the decision whatsoever. He is an extremely fair and ethical man, I have know him since I was running in Little Athletics when I was 12 years old in Coffs harbour Australia. I can’t believe the fact they are all Australian was even bought up!!!!

    Linda our little chant is “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie….Oi, Oi, Oi….!!!!

    Congratulations to both Marie and Peter – you are both awesome athletes!!!!!

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