Dan at 1998 Goodwill Games.
In
2005 and
2008,
Dan O’Brien hinted a masters comeback. Now he’s giving full-throated notice.
Bob Weiner reports in his
press release for ABQ indoor nationals that the 1996 Olympic decathlon champ (and three-time world champ) had planned to compete in Albuquerque but is injured. “I’m 50 years old now,” Dan said, “but when I won the Olympic and world decathlon titles I felt like I would never get older. But time catches up to all of us. I have a number of physical problems from all those years of training and I’m sad I am not competing this year. But I look forward to taking part when I get through these injuries. I watch in amazement as masters athletes train, compete and push themselves to great limits. So regardless of what level you are, masters track and field encourages a life style of fitness through training and competition. You never lose that thrill of competition and I would love to take part again.” Yowza! That’s great news. Let’s all give Dan some support here.
(Bring Dave, too!) Also
check out form Bob is circulating to help get local media to cover you.
11 Responses
Well, Dan O’Brien would have given us some good press, that’s for sure. We do have Phil McConkey, the ex-football star at the US Naval Academy and a former New York Giant (among four NFL teams for which he played), who might draw a bit of press.
Phil is in an absolutely loaded M55 60 (he turns 60 a few days after the meet). I believe there are about 623 other entrants, which brings up the question of why there are not at least 900. After all, we broke 1000 four years ago, from what I understand.
Any ideas on that from any of you out there? Or do you have other ideas to express about the big meet? Yes, I plan on being there along with another announcer I will call Lisa.
There’s nothing wrong with the New Mexico location; but I believe it’s an airfare problem. Aside from the expense…..it’s mostly inconvenient in that from most eastern locations…..there’s very few non stop flights. Who wants 6-7 hours to arrive at a location; and also with the risk of delays this time of year ??
Make that comeback Dan! You’ll have a great time!!
Any number of possible factors in the low numbers, including the number of people living within driving distance (a big reason why there were so many four years ago), the fact that it’s incredibly early in the year, the fact that it’s a holiday weekend (driving up airfares and conflicting with family plans made before USATF forced the earlier dates on USATF Masters), the altitude (a real factor for those running 400m or more)….Put it all together and you get the lowest numbers for an indoor championships in many years.
Personally, I’m going because it’s so early and our weather has been so bad. I want to see the sun!
Competition from Perth, Auckland, and Daegu has probably not helped attendance.
Would be nice to have you compete start with a pent or jept indoor best one in wisconson.get Deca info from same meet Decamouse.com do so befor im 60 LOL
Fantastic interview with Dan:
https://soundcloud.com/athleticexperience/ep030
Talks masters around 1 hour, 7 minutes into podcast.
I welcome your comeback Dan!
I’d love an opportunity to compete against you again, as the last time I had that honor was in Junior college, 1988. It’s time for a re-match!
Airfare to ABQ is expensive. Too far to drive. Our State Championship is the same date.
I hope Dan gets healthy and decides to participate in masters athletics. I would cherish the opportunity to compete against him in a decathlon some day. I am in awe of his accomplishments. What an incredible athlete.
I’m rehabbing from a left hip replacement on Nov. 7 2016 .. I’m hoping to come back in some event .. I’m giving myself a full year to test it out .. I’m still loving watching and hearing g of my amazing fellow Masters …!!! Best Wishes to all..!!!
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