Olga Kotelko to star at Kamloops nationals — and in BBC profile
Brandy Yanchyk
Here’s the story in the Kamloops Daily News:
For the second year in a row, a great number of great masters athletes will be coming to Kamloops.
The Tournament Capital Centre is set to play host to the Canadian masters indoor track and field championships on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s competition will start at 9:30 a.m., with Sunday’s events to also begin at 9:30 a.m.
The competition will run pretty well non-stop each day from 9:30 a.m., to 3 p.m.
The TCC acquitted itself quite well when the 2010 IAAF world masters athletics championships were held March 1-6. More than 1,400 athletes took part in the world championships, which served as a showcase for the TCC.
There won’t be anywhere near 1,400 athletes at the Canadian championships, but the TCC will be busy, with races, hurdles, jumps, vaults and throws.
Masters athletics is for anyone over the age of 35, and many athletes compete into their 80s, or even 90s.
According to a performance list on the event’s website, Olga Kotelko, who has made a name for herself due to her numerous records and incredible longevity, will be competing this weekend.
Kotelko, 92, is scheduled to compete in the 60 metres, 200m, 400m, high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put and weight throw.
Kotelko, a member of the Canadian Masters Hall of Fame, competed here at the world championship last year, winning 10 gold medals and setting eight world records. She turned 92 earlier this month.
Not to be outdone, 90-year-old William Falconer of Kamloops is set to compete in the 60m, the shot put and the weight throw this week. He was the first Kamloopsian to win a medal at last year’s world championships, winning gold in the men’s 89 discus on the first day of the competition.
Kotelko and Falconer are the only athletes in their 90s scheduled to compete on the weekend, although there are a handful of octogenarians.
According to the performance list, the Kamloops Track and Field Club will be represented by 13 athletes.
In the women’s events, Cathy Anastasio, Sandy Blacquiere, Carolynn Boomer, Miriam Cavani, Sue Holm, Tanya Little, Diane Matus and Margaret Rhebergen will be competing in a variety of events.
Ken Crockett, Melvin Doherty, Norm Little, John Saari and Derm Strong are scheduled to take part in men’s events.
The Canadian masters outdoor championships are scheduled for June 17-19 in Toronto.
4 Responses
I’m keeping my eyes peeled at Brandy.(^_^)Smartty
Are you sure she is 90? She looks great 🙂 I’m sure Olga does too
I’m planning to compete there. I hope to see Olga and several other great masters athletes.
Man what an achievement..I cant wait to see her in next event competing with others.
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