South African Olympian chops M45 world record in 110 hurdles
Two-time Olympian Shaun Bownes of South Africa brought down the M45 world record in the 110 hurdles last weekend, clocking an amazing 14.38 at the Gauteng North Masters Championships at Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, say local reports. The listed WR is 14.41 by Jamaica’s Karl Smith at 2006 Charlotte nationals. (Willie Gault has a wind-legal 14.41 that wasn’t ratified.) A Facebook post added: “Shaun will attempt this once again this coming Saturday 9th April at the Central Gauteng Masters Championships, at Germiston Stadium.” I haven’t seen results of either meet yet, however. Age-Graded, Shaun’s mark is worth an open 13.07.
Shaun runs 39-inch hurdles. His PR at 42-inch hurdles is 13.26 in July 2001.
The story also had this twist:
Another familiar face at the meeting was that of the legendary hammer thrower Chris Harmse. In his career Harmse won medals in nearly every major athletic event.
Unfortunately he could, on the basis of religious objections, never participate in the Olympics as the the Olympic final was presented on a Sunday every time when he qualified. He refused to participate on a Sunday.
Harmse decided to try for one last time to realise his dream to participate in the Olympics at the age of 43.
Unfortunately, he could not throw the qualifying distance this weekend at Pilditch. He threw only three meters short of the qualifying distance.
However, he has time until July 11 this year to qualify and he has at least five official events to do so, including the African Championships in Durban on 25 June.
According to all the senior athletes, Masters Athletics is a wonderful way of life.
The South African Masters Athletics Championships will also be hosted in Pretoria on 13 and 14 May this year.
One Response
Congrads on the record.
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