Canada Masters Athlete of the Month hates running, loves records
The StarPhoenix paper in Canada reports that 81-year-old Ted Rowan set national records for his age group in the 50- and 60-meter hurdles. Then he’s quoted as saying: “I hate running. But I’ve got to do that and that’s what I’m best at. Even at my age, it’s a nerve problem. It’s crazy. … When you’re up to that line, waiting for that gun to go off, it’s almost like you’re throwing up. I think that’s probably why I do well. I get a pump of adrenalin. My competitions are way faster than my training times.” Rowan was named the country’s top masters athlete for March thanks, in part, to his performance at the Canadian Masters Athletics indoor championship in Toronto. He set Canadian records in the long jump, 60 and the heptathlon at the USATF hep championships in Wisconsin. “The truth of the matter is I like throwing. I like javelin and discus,” Ted said. “I could go to the park and throw all day. It’s like batting stones when you were a kid.” He says he’s training for high jump — in his Martensville basement: “I’ve got an L-shaped room and the steps are just right. I can go through a space of about 18 inches.”
Michelle Berg of StarPhoenix caught Ted in hang time at Saskatoon fieldhouse.
4 Responses
Way to go, Ted !
You’re an inspiration to us “younger” multi-eventers.
I have relatives in Saskatoon, Martensville actually, that I have to inform about the exploits of their neighbour, Michelle. Now -hopefully- they won’t think I’m the only crazy geezer they know that insists on keeping running, jumping and throwing through advanced age! And, Michelle, hope to meet you at a future meet. -Grant L.
Addendum to previous post:
Sorry, Ted, just figured out your name is ‘Ted’ rather than ‘Michelle’ who photographed you. Hope to meet you, Ted, at a future meet. -Grant L.
We are proud of you! You inspire everyone of all ages…Keep up the excellence.
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