Rita Hanscom (finally!) named USATF Athlete of the Week
Rita Hanscom of San Diego was named USATF Athlete of the Week today by Indy officials — a long-overdue honor coming on the heels of her incredible five-gold performance at Lahti worlds. She should have gotten it seven days ago, but USATF named nobody for the weekly award. Cecile Nguyen wrote for USATF: “Hanscom wrapped up the championships amassing gold medals in the W55 age-division in the 300m hurdles, long jump, 80m hurdles, pole vault as well as establishing a new world record in the heptathlon. Competing in the 300m hurdles for only the second time in her career, the 55-year-old won the gold medal in 53.25 seconds. In the W55 heptathlon, Hanscom blew away the competition with a world record 6,382 points, almost 2,000 more points than the second place finisher.” Great job, Rita. Take the week off.
Rita Hanscom heads toward gold in the 300 hurdles — one of her five titles at Lahti.
14 Responses
Congratulations, Rita, you were magnificent in Finland, and you certainly deserve this additional award. You are awesome, gal! Wow!
Rita Rita Rita!!!!!
Rita certainly deserves this award.
She should be masters athlete of the year – if not Rita – who?????
An absolutely incredible feat. To come back and win all those individual events, against that level of competition and all after winning and surviving the heptathlon is amazing. Rita if I had a vote for athlete of the year I would cast it for you.
A well-deserved award! Well done, Rita!
Rita–What Bill Murray said? Ditto! That’s absolutely amazing!
Rita has always been athlete of the year in my book, not only for her athletic skills, but also for her good sportsmanship, enthusiasm for the sport, and ability to cope with the often frustrating challenges that arise in learning and competing in several events.
I knew Rita was special when I first met her and she asked me if I wanted to learn to play the bagpipes with her. Thanks for giving me the courage to try new things, Rita.
Congratulations Rita,
I am absolutely thrilled to see you reach your goals ,admire your ability to sucessfully compete in so many events and receive the recognition you deserve. You are not only a World class athlete but a World Class person every day of the week, month and year. What an inspiration!!
See you at PH
Jai
Bagpipes Rita… seriously? I wanted to add my congratulations, and hope that what you accomplished in Lahti brings you some level of satisfaction. I have a very strong feeling that your goals have not yet been met, but know that you amaze us all and we are very proud to know you!
CONGRATULATIONS to you Rita on a phenomenal job well done in Lahti. You are truly inspirational and well-deserving of MANY more accolades!!!
Oh, and thanks for the pole vault tips (if I ever become brave enough to crack THAT nut)!
Go, girl! Go, girl! Terrific performances. Nothing but gold!
Rita,CONGRATULATIONS! You are an inspirations to us all.
Well-deserved. I look up to you. Rita, you truly rock.
Back from Palo Alto then serving jury duty.
Rita, mega contrats!
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