Merlene Ottey becomes oldest athlete in Euro championships
Merlene Ottey anchored Slovenia’s 4×1 team today to seventh in the heats at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona, Spain. Her team ran 44.3 But in the year’s most important track meet, Merlene made history — becoming its oldest entrant ever. The BBC took note of this while interviewing the 50-year-old legend. In the chat, Merlene says she’d like to run at 60, to “see what I can do.” Her split today was probably sub-11 seconds. Look for a 12.50 in 10 years. (The listed W60 world record is 13.89.)
Merlene Ottey sat for BBC chat on eve of the European open champs in Spain.
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It was also interesting to hear Merlene say that she had seen people of between 75 – 100 competing. This would have been of course at the European Masters Champs held in Llubjana Slovenia in Summer 2008. It was great that Merlene was in attendance at the championships promoting some testing of athletes and also gave some medals out at the ceremonies. What a great lady and great ambassador to the sport.
Someone please Invite Merlene Ottey to our World Meet in Sacramaneto.
If I am not mistaken we had a former Elite disctance runner who received an all expense trip to Landover, MD.
She was nice looking at 20, Cute at 30, Beautiful at 40, And GORGEOUS at 50
Hello, Merlene Ottey: You are a Great Inspiration. I am 58 and as quick and fast as ever. Correct trainig techniques have helped me with my speed. My basic speed is now 4.72 for the 40 yard . Now I have to work on my speed stamina. Anyway,thank-you again for your grit and determination and courage.
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