Neni Lewis after latest hammer WR: ‘I just take it one day at a time’

Neni at 2005 Hawaii nationals.

Neni Lewis knows pain. She injured her ankle as a high school senior, when she was a sprinter. In 1988, she had a good shot at making the Olympic team, throwing close to 60 feet. But that dream vanished when she hurt her hip and back in a car accident. In masters, she’s had a slew of aches and illnesses. But every few years she ages up and shatters world records. I contacted her after her latest hammer WR — set a day after her 50th birthday — and she graciously replied. “I am still recovering from the problem with my rotator cuff in my throwing arm and unfortunately I am having problems with my right hip and lower back, which makes it difficult to walk — let alone throw anything,” she wrote me yesterday.

Here’s the rest of my quickie Q&A with Neni (pronounced NEE-NEE):

Masterstrack.com: What was your entire series?

Neni Lewis: Not very good. 53.14 (174-4), foul, 44.62 (146-5), foul, 51.43 (168-8), 50.58 (165-11)

How much farther can U throw the 3K hammer?

I feel I can throw a lot further. It was a long, hot and humid day and I was quite tired by the time it came to throw the hammer, so I only threw with two turns. With three turns, I can throw much further. Before all of the injuries, I was throwing the 3K hammer around 59-60 meters (193-7 to 196-10) in practice, so I hope to get back up there when and if I ever get healthy.

Does the 3K feel strange after throwing 4K for so many years?

The 3K hammer does not feel strange at all, since I have been using it ever since I started throwing the hammer. I am glad I have been throwing the 3K all along as some of the throwers who moved up to the 50-54 age group encountered problems adjusting to the lighter implement.

How is training going?

Although I had to make adjustments to my training due to the problems with my hip, shoulder and back, I guess it is as good as I can expect. I wish I could do more, but I just take it one day at a time.

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June 26, 2010

4 Responses

  1. peter taylor - June 26, 2010

    Neni is some kind of thrower. And as with some of our other stars, she pretends she is not a big deal. In that respect, she is wrong — she is very much a dazzler in the hammer and numerous other throwing events. Wish she could have thrown in the open nationals at Des Moines.

    Regarding the open nationals, Robert Thomas has just won the exhibition 100 for men 40+. Robert, as did the other 2 starters, had to contened with a wind of 3.6 mps.

    Robert Thomas 11.82
    Eric Merriweather 11.98
    Ron Potocnik 11.99

    Lyndon Herzberg, Lonnie Hooker, and Reggie Pendland did not start.

  2. peter taylor - June 26, 2010

    The wind was in his face, of course. No word on what happened to Lyndon Herzberg or why Reggie Pendland or Lonnie Hooker did not go to the line.

  3. No-Show-Bro - June 26, 2010

    After the No-Show at the Masters 100m. exibition of the USATF USA National Championships, Herzberg now leans towards the category of, “It puts the lotion on…”

  4. Mellow Johnny - June 26, 2010

    Speaking of WR’s, Mary Harada set a WR today in the W75-79 mile at the Hayward Classic. Great meet. Weather cooperated as it was a bit cool and overcast then got sunny right after my steeple! Great weather to go with the best venue on the planet.

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