Mystery illness sidelines Bill Collins — unsure about rest of season

Bill Collins is ill. His status as world’s fastest man over 60 may not be tested this season. In response to a query I sent him last week, he replied: “Thanks … for your concern and everyone in the masters track and field community. Yes, I have been ill; doctors are still not totally sure what was the cause of the illness and what is the actual illness. Still having more tests done. One area we are sure of: I did suffer a severe case of dehydration. Making a very slow recovery, and I want to thank everyone that has called and sent emails of prayers and well wishes. Will update more at a later date.” Here’s what we could miss at Sacramento worlds:

At Sacramento nationals last year, he scared folks during the athletes banquet when he appeared to collapse as he was called up to receive an award.

He reminds us: “In Sacramento, that was a leg cramp which knocked me out the chair, which prevented me from running the 200 meters.” He doesn’t think that’s related to his mystery illness.

“As for the season, unsure at this time, will start some very slow work next week after I see the doctor.” We’re all pulling for Bill. His legacy as a legend is assured, but we want to see him in the game till M100.

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June 12, 2011

22 Responses

  1. Ken Stone - June 12, 2011

    Meanwhile, one of the world’s fastest men over 70 reports that he’s scratching from Sacramento worlds: Doug Smith of Southern California.

    Doug writes: “Just wanted to let you know that I have been ill for the past two weeks with pneumonia.”

    All the best to Bill and Doug, and others fighting issues on the eve of worlds.

  2. peter taylor - June 12, 2011

    Bill, all the best to you. We go back a long way, and I want you to get better at a reasonable speed so that you can reach 101% of your level at Albuquerque.

    Doug Smith: Keep on keeping on. You might be the best sprinter Occidental College ever produced, but right now you have to lay off the sprinting and focus on the recovery.

  3. tony gamblin - June 12, 2011

    Bill and Doug I wish you a speedy recoveries

  4. Cornell - June 12, 2011

    Keep the faith and get well soon.

  5. Sam HAll - June 12, 2011

    Bill,you’re best sprinter in the world,but even more importantly you are best human being in the world.I have faith that God will heal your body and you will be back on the track setting records.

  6. Nolan Shaheed - June 12, 2011

    Get well soon Bill. You said of few words to me in Clarmont-Ferrand when I was injured that changed my attitude and made me feel better. Now I wish I could do the same for you but I don’t know what to say other than we all will miss you greatly and will be looking forward to your return.
    Sacramento will be the first major track meet I’ve run in 25 years that you wont be in.

  7. kevin f forde - June 13, 2011

    Bill,Worlds will not be the same w/out,wishing you a speedy recovery,I myself am also struggling to recover from low ferritin levels in my blood,here’s hoping we’ll both be back to our best soon

  8. Doug Spencer - June 13, 2011

    Bill, I pray for a speedy recovery and good health for you.

  9. Calvin Padgett - June 13, 2011

    Bill…. You have had a great influence on me! Thanks for presenting me with your book, taking the time with me during Indoor Nationals this year and all the motivating words. I will pray for you and your family and I know I will see you soon!

  10. dave ashford - June 13, 2011

    Bill,you have been our wall of strength for team USA ,we are all rallying for you to come back on top ,best of health to you sincerly .dave ashford

  11. Francois Boda - June 13, 2011

    I wish you a speedy recovery Mr. Collins. I will keep you in my prayers.

  12. Linda Carty - June 13, 2011

    Bill, I think we should postpone worlds until you are able to attend! Hope you recover soon.
    Linda

  13. Oscar Peyton - June 13, 2011

    I know that you have the strength to beat whatever’s got you down. Get well soon. God bless.

  14. Lesley Richardson - June 14, 2011

    I was sorry to hear that you are not well Bill and I hope that your diagnosis gets sorted soon in order you can get treated and on the road to recovery soon. Looking forward to seeing you back on the track Bill.

  15. Joseph Burleson - June 14, 2011

    Bill, we hope a speedy recovery for you. The World meet will be quite a notch lower in excitement with your absence. Your presence is felt in many other ways, too, aside from your performance on the track: your generosity in talking with the multitudes of fans, your patience in dealing with all the publicity, and your stellar achievement with your publication on training and competition.

  16. Don Cheek - June 14, 2011

    Hi Bill,
    Sorry to hear about the temporary setback–as we have talked about it many times, we both know that prayer works–please know, then, that you are being lifted up in prayer–will be in Houston next week– hope we talk or have a visit.Keep the Faith.Your Brother. Don Cheek

  17. Lovell Butler - June 15, 2011

    Hey Bill I hope all is well and I know the man upstair will look after you. Hope to see you soon Legend

  18. Khalid and Jamie Mulazim - June 16, 2011

    Bill,

    We wish you a speedy recovery.

  19. Ty Brown - December 12, 2011

    Bill, I truely hope your recovery is going well. We all miss you. The best of luck.

  20. ROBERT KOONTZ - December 12, 2011

    Hi Bill,
    I have Peripheral neuropathy due to chemothrapy treatments’ which gives off the same symptons as your illness. We both will be testing yourselves’ in 2012. God’s speed.

  21. Pamila Mcwayne - August 9, 2012

    Nighttime leg cramps are different from another common nighttime leg problem called restless legs syndrome. .:,’;

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  22. Ayana Nagarajan - March 21, 2013

    Leg cramps, also known as night leg cramps, especially calf-muscle cramps, are fairly common. Some people experience cramps in the muscles of their feet, as well as their thigh muscles. In most cases these types of cramps occur while the individual is sleeping or resting. .

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