USATF picks Raschker vault as top masters moment
The USATF Web site is running a poll to decide the top 25 moments in USATF’s past 25 years. One of the 38 candidate moments is this: In 1995, at age 48, Philippa Raschker makes a statement as a trailblazer by placing third in the women’s pole vault at the USA Outdoor Championships, behind future Olympic gold medalist Stacy Dragila.
I’m not sure who decided that that particular performance was the greatest masters moment in USATF’s past 25 years, but what the heck. Why don’t we skew the poll and all vote for Phil’s vault as one of the top USATF moments?
Just FYI, here’s how the poll is described:
To help mark the 25th anniversary of USA Track & Field, track & field fans can join USATF in selecting the top 25 moments in American track & field during the past 25 years. Fans can help select what they consider to be the top moments in the sports of track & field, long-distance running, and race walking by voting online at USATF’s website.
The “moments” can have occurred on or off the field of play in any of the sport’s disciplines, at any level–from youth to masters. Events must have occurred between 1979-2004 (the past 25 years). They need not have taken place at a USATF event, but all athletic performances must have been recorded by an American athlete.
Me again:
I’ll try to find out who chose Phil’s 1995 vault as the top USATF masters moment of the past quarter-century. I could probably think of a half-dozen better Raschker “moments” than that — including her being a Sullivan Award finalist this spring. And I’ll bet other masters moments come to mind for many of you.
Have a moment you’d like to share?
One Response
Philippa Raschker ‘s performance was certainly amazing. The list of best track and field performances shows the bias in our sports against throwing athletes. Only one throwing performance‚Äî Michael Carter’s 82 foot high school shot put ‚Äî made the list. Throwers are tired of being the forgotten step children. It happens in open and masters track. There is more to our sport than running around a track.
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