Teaching an old WR man new tricks: Earl Fee becomes a jumper
Earl’s jumping skills can be traced to this event.
The rest of the story:
Already the Canadian indoor record holder for his age group, Fee set the national outdoor record Sunday (Sept. 11) during a Canadian Masters Athletics sanctioned meet held at York University.
Both of Fee’s records stand at 1.09 metres (3-7), giving him a top-three world ranking, according to Lubin.
When they sing karaoke together, Fee often goes with anything by Frank Sinatra or Neil Diamond. Lubin says Sinatra is a fitting choice because he believes Fee is the embodiment of Sinatra’s 1969 hit, My Way.
“He does it his way and I love and admire him for that,” Lubin said. “He’s what I call the complete package.”
When Fee competed in high jump as a teenager, the scissor jump was the most common technique. This was more than 20 years before 1968 Olympic gold medallist Dick Fosbury patented the Fosbury Flop that’s currently utilized.
It’s a technique Fee is still getting used to.
“There’s a lot of technique involved,” he said.
“You have to start in the right place otherwise you’re too close or too far away. I was having some trouble with that on Sunday because the wind was blowing. Fortunately, I had some good jumps in there.”
Now with high jump accolades to add to his resume, Fee is trying to set records in long jump.
“I see the Canadian record for my age is 3.3 metres, which doesn’t seem that far,” he said. “I’m going to give it a try and I wouldn’t mind trying the javelin, too. It looks pretty interesting.”
11 Responses
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Wonderful story about “The Great Earl.” It nicely combines his calm, analytic approach with his human touch. At 1996 indoor masters nationals in Greensboro, NC, I was discussing the unusual conformation of the track with a gentleman who had a distinct Canadian flavor to his speech. I inquired about his identity and found that he was Earl Fee.
“You’re the great Earl Fee?”, I said. The rest, for me, has been 20 years of wonderful history. Keep on keeping on, Great Earl.
Earl is no doubt the greatest athlete that Masters Track has everhad. That includes the Europeans too.
It really is a mind-blower when you realize there is absolutely nothing Earl cannot accomplish. He’s written books and writes poetry. And oh yes, he just happens to be the greatest middle distance male Master in history … sprints, hurdles, 800s, 1500s, miles. Beyond pure athletic talent, he has an acute analytical mind to add to the mix. Nothing is impossible for Earl, and at 87 he is the most inspirational athlete I ca think of.
I am flabbergasted by all this attention. But it just makes me try harder, not disappoint, and not waste any valuable time left. I aim (and believe) for a healthy and competitive 100 years—as we all should. Intense intervals, lots of veggies, the right training and technique, proper recovery, constant dedication and a little wine—will get us there. And don’t neglect the frequent weights, stretching, the roller daily and plyometrics. Thank you all my friends.
Go Earl Fee. Following the NCCWMA in Costa Rica a fee years age, I was fortunate to have booked the same tour he selected.
He freely shared knowledge with group. Can’t wait to read his next book.
At the time Mr.Fee was almost 60 years older than the youngest in the group. I bet that he would first to reach the the top of the steep incline to view volcano. He was First!!.
An impressive achievement for anyone but especially for someone with primarily a running background. If he can learn the flop, 1.25 seems very possible.
Incredibly uplifting. We Masters are frequently told, “it’s so amazing that you STILL do that.” But it is priceless for us to see someone older, MORE dedicated, MORE inspired and MORE INSPIRING. Thank you, Earl Fee, for just being there for the rest of us.
And beautiful form approaching the bar to boot!
Earl You are an individual for athletes like myself to look up to. Watching you perform and get better with age gives me something to aim for. I am going to try badminton with my brother this week and looking forward to a different way to help me stay as healthy as I can. I am proud to be a Canadian look forward to watching you high jump and long jump in the future. Keep it up we are so proud of you.
I remember overhearing a discussion Sir Earl had with an official at the 2001 Worlds in Brisbane, QLD after being DQ’d in the 400 for stepping on the lane line I think.
He was very polite and not arguing the DQ, he just wanted to know if it was possible to learn his time which was not being posted because of the DQ. One can be a fierce competitor and still be a real gentleman as Earl has shown many times.
Nice story on Earl’s coach, Gary Lubin (who if you Google his name you’ll learn had a role in busting Canadian sprint doper Ben Johnson).
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/sports-story/6864078-brampton-s-lubin-still-coaching-high-jump-champions/
In the story, Gary calls Earl “a computer with a body. Just give Earl high jump instructions and he performs a great attempt.”
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