The invisible meet known as WMA worlds
Tomorrow is Day 1 of the 15th World Masters Athletic Championships. Otherwise known as the meet the world forgot. With rare exceptions, media attention is absent. And who can blame sports sections and broadcast outlets around America and the world? USA Track and Field and WMA itself hardly give a hint about the sizzling events in hot Carolina, Puerto Rico. Even so, meet results are about to emerge.
One has to do some diligent digging to find news on the world meet (outside of this site, of course). But between now and July 13, many of the best age-group athletes in the world will strut their stuff.
Among them in world record holding M50 sprinter Bill Collins, who over the weekend was profiled in The New York Times. Lesser-known athletes also have earned ink, including Aussie W40 heptathlete Marie Kay and M85 runner Max Springer of Tennessee.
Malaysia will be represented by W40 hurdler Soo Chong Peng — who won medals in 1997, 1999 and 2001 WMA world meets.
A Louisiana paper chats up M40 sprinter Donald Hardy.
Hardy, unfortunately, has to assume the role of publicist, helping the reporter take the baby steps to understanding this “masters” thing:
“A lot of people don’t know about masters runners,” Hardy said. “It’s for athletes who are still interested in track and field. It’s just like the Olympics, the celebration and competition are very similar.”
So be it.
Let the meet begin!
One Response
A friend directed me to this NY Times article
on Bill Collins. It seems only the best
newspapers cover Masters T&F perceptively.
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