Masters track version of Abbie D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin at Rio

Lane 1 goes down in the 50-meter dash at RMMG.

Lane 1 goes down in the 50-meter dash at RMMG.

M60 photographer/sprinter Dave Albo tells a wonderful story on his blog. While shooting the 50-meter dash at the Rocky Mountain Masters Games in Fort Collins, Colorado, he captured a tumble near the start. But then something amazing happens. Dave tells the story: “Bobby Fischer (Ric Rojas Running) started fine, but the guy to his left took a HARD fall early in the proceedings. Bobby aborted his own race and went to his fallen comrade’s aid, very similar to what we saw Abbie D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin doing for each other in the Olympics 5k. Bobby stayed there at the side of his downed fellow, offering comfort and support. After a long delay, Bobby was rewarded with a do over thanks to the compassionate race officials, and he ran a respectable 50-meter time trial, with fully automatic timing.”

Bobby Fischer stops race to check on fellow sprinter. Anyone know the fallen gent?

Bobby Fischer stops race to check on fellow sprinter. Anyone know fallen gent?

Dave continues:

The other guy was not so fortunate, his hamstring had caused the whole thing, and was pretty bad, his glasses cut his face and he had a big scrape on his shoulder. He did not walk away, he was carted away.

I hope he is all right, but at least he had support from a fellow athlete.

The same thing happened to me when I raced the same event (50 meters) at the Senior Games, the guy next to me tumbled. I, unlike Bobby, left that guy there to fend for himself. So well done, Bobby. You did the right thing. Maybe all that hiking on the Camino has made you a more compassionate being.

Dave also pens a touching story of his own 400 at the meet.

So, yeah. Photographers tell stories. In more ways than one.

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August 29, 2016

4 Responses

  1. dave albo - August 30, 2016

    It was at least 15 years ago that Bobby told me in no uncertain terms that if you compare racing a 5k or 10k on the road to racing 800 meters on the track, there is no comparison. The 800 is the real deal. His enthusiasm was contagious, and that lit a spark in me that has become a steady 15 year (and counting) track and field flame.

  2. Christel Donley - August 30, 2016

    That’s what makes that meet so worthwhile!
    Helping each other! and providing for a great competition.
    For us, who put on the meet, it is a blessing when we get Thank Yous and athletes leave- maybe not always happy – but grateful!
    Dave Albo’s contributions are so very much appreciated.

    Jim Weed checked on the injured athlete and he is fine!! The hamstring pull was the culprit.

    See you all at the Indoor meet at the AFA next year.

  3. Christel Donley - August 30, 2016

    The athletes name is : Dale Alexander, age 75

  4. wayne bennett - August 31, 2016

    Had an opportunity to visit with Bobby at indoors in Albuquerque and his actions here do not surprise me. My first time to meet him and it was a very good visit. Good to see him competing in masters track sprints. His spirit is what we should all be about, “Helping Others”

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