Stroke slows M90 record holder Orville Rogers — but not his wit

Orville in USA Today

M90 superstar Orville Rogers competed at Albuquerque nationals in March, but it may be a while before he graces the track again. Orville reports he had a “moderate stroke” April 11, suffering full paralysis of his left hand and partial incapacity of his left arm, foot and hip. In answer to the question: Can you still compete at worlds in Sacramento? he replied: “Wish I could.” He also writes from his home in Dallas: “Making good progress, left hand @ 85%, hip is still weak but today I ran a mile in 13:45!  Thanks for your concern.” He says: “I still can only peck with left hand.  But it is good therapy.  God is good!” Another recent stroke victim, but making faster progress, is M80 Jim Selby, who was felled at a workout a few months ago. He’s running laps of his Fallbrook home, so he’ll be back.

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May 12, 2011

5 Responses

  1. Phyllis Provost - May 12, 2011

    Orville,
    Keep it up! I’m with the Dallas Masters and have
    met you at a meet or two here in Coppell.I do
    running and throwing at the meets.I have had two
    strokes and one TIA at age 69 but continued on with
    my events after doctors said keep going, I
    did.I’m doing quite well with track and field
    even though in age bracket75-79.I’m just amazed
    at your ability.Also saw your picture in NMN
    about your shot put throwing.I’m amazed at your
    ability.I don’t go to Masters meets except
    here in Texas.But, will be going to National
    Senior games in June.
    Phyllis Provost
    Lewisville,Texas

  2. Gary - May 12, 2011

    Best of luck to Orville, Inspiration to all.

  3. Terry Parks - May 12, 2011

    Best wishes Orville. I realized recently while watching a fellow Masters athlete run around the track that beauty of Masters Track And Field is not in how fast we run, or high we jump, or far we throw. The real beauty lies in the fact that we can run, jump, or throw at all.

  4. Rick Miller - May 12, 2011

    I’m just barely a Master and haven’t run an offical step yet (brought a serious foot injury with me from my 30s), but I saw Orville in Albuquerque when I went to watch my buddy race. We sat behind his family in the stands, and they seemed like the nicest people. Will be a shame to not see him in Cleveland or Sacramento this summer.

  5. Joseph Burleson - May 13, 2011

    Good going, Orville, and good luck in your recovery! The most thrilling occasions for me in watching Masters T&F are the accomplishments of our eldest athletes! Having had the pleasure of speaking over the past 25 years with dozens of athletes in the 90-94 and the 95-99 group is something I can not easily describe. I am in total awe, not only of their longevity, but of their incredible tenacity and strength of spirit. Their energy gives me strength to see what human beings are capable of on this planet, and how each of us has the responsibility to dig as deep within ourselves as possible to realize our goals. I look forward to seeing Orville back in the news. Ah, but he already is: “a 13:45 mile” already! To me that’s the same as an open age-group mile of 3:59!

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