Ralph Maxwell adds to legend with world records in M90 decathlon

Ralph Maxwell started Day 2 of the decathlon at Sacto worlds by lowering his own world record in the 80-meter hurdles to 21.62 (from 21.74). Then he upped his American record in the pole vault from 1.12 to 1.40. And with two events left, he still exceeded the world age-group record in the decathlon — beating the listed 3190 by Aussie Vic Younger in 2003. Not bad for 91. He’s calling it a meet after the dec, flying home tomorrow to Minnesota. But as my wife, Chris, and I explored the Sac State venue, we were overwhelmed with magnificent performances — and disappointments. Rita Hanscom, using crutches, told of her plantar fasciitis injury in yesterday’s hep high jump. She’s out for the year, she says. Much more to report later. See our first photo gallery here. USATF intern Amanda Nappi has begun posting daily updates. Here’s her first release, featuring 8K cross country golds by Elena Shemyakina and Kathryn Martin.

Ralph clears a height on way to setting M90 American record in the pole vault.

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July 7, 2011

4 Responses

  1. peter taylor - July 7, 2011

    Thanks so much for posting this, Ken. Ralph Maxwell is a terrific gentleman, and he has the posture and gait of a well-conditioned 55-year-old. Somehow he has rebuffed Father Time to a very large degree.

    He is also a wonderful athlete.

  2. Jeff Davison - July 7, 2011

    Congrads to those that did well.

    Prayers (for healing) for those that were injured.

  3. Ken Stone - July 7, 2011

    Ralph’s WR dec was 7,069 — more than double the previous record.

    More news by Amanda Nappi of USATF:
    http://www.usatf.org/News/Maxwell-smashes-decathlon-record-on-day-two-of-Wor.aspx

  4. Grant Lamothe - July 13, 2011

    Ken:

    Thanks for the photos of what happened that day. I was glad to be there to witness a lot of it -geezer track rocks!! -Grant L.

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