W65 Wilma Perkins strides out of hubby’s shadow in Aussie profile
Wilma Perkins, prez down under, may be the highest-performing official in masters track.
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Ms Perkins holds the world title in heptathlon but said she was not often recognised in her home country.
“In Australia not many people know me, but when I go to a track meet internationally I’m well known there,” she said.
Competing at an international level. Wilma Perkins said her 66-year-old age does nothing to dampen her competitiveness.
“I had a love of athletics from my school days and then I joined again in my 30s,” she told 612 ABC Brisbane’s Steve Austin.
“By the time I got into my 40s I took up pole vaulting and in my 50s I took up hurdling … I still have a lot to learn.
“I have a love for the 100 metres, but the heptathlon is my favourite.”
Heptathlon involves seven events over two days including hurdles, high jump, shot put, a 200-metre sprint, long jump, javelin and an 800-metre run.
“In August [at the last world championships] I picked up enough points in the first six events,” she said.
“The 800m wasn’t so important then as I had enough points to not run some spectacular 800m to win the world championship.
“I want to make it as hard as possible for any opposition I have … if they’re going to beat me, they have to earn it.”
Recovery and training the perfect recipe for success
Ms Perkins said recovery days were essential to be able to compete in varied events at an older age.
“I have two days of track work and two days of gym work and a competition day,” she said.
“You always have to throw in your recovery days as we recover slower.
“If you take that into account you can do amazing things.”
I want to make it as hard as possible for any opposition I have … if they’re going to beat me, they have to earn it.
The Daisy Hill resident said Masters Athletics allowed older people the opportunity to represent their country.
“It’s fabulous to wear green and gold and represent your country and have people cheering for you,” she said.
“You’re part of a team and it’s a very special opportunity to get.”
Ms Perkins is juggling training and planning for the upcoming championships, which was previously held in Lyon, France hosting 8,000 athletes.
“In October next year the Masters will run over a fortnight — from the track to marathons. We’re really trying to open it up to all athletes,” she said.
“It’s one of the only places where you get to run with your own age groups as we race in five-year race groups.
“I love the quote that says ‘you can never be too old for it … you can only be too young for it’.”
4 Responses
Wilma! You’re a gracious competitor and a terrific friend. I wish you the very best next year.
I totally agree with Rita.
Though Wilma is still a youngster (and so is Rita)
we all have known each other for many years.
During women’s meetings, Wilma has always spoken in a very polite, but direct manner! I know – kind of – what it takes to put on a meet – and still compete.
Good luck, Wilma, see you – hopefully for us- in Perth.
Go Wilma!
Wilma, it is always a pleasure to see and jump with you at those big meets. Let there be many more.
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