Roger takes baton from Bruce Covey in 4×4 at worlds. Photo by Doug Shaggy Smith.
of the Salem News in Massachusetts
has a nice column on Team USA members
Diane Pomeroy and her coach,
Roger Pierce, who brought home a lot of hardware from Porto Alegre. I love to learn about details of the Brazil experience, such as: “Pierce advanced to the semifinals in the 100 and 200, but didn’t run the 200 to watch the 47-year-old Pomeroy in the 800 finals at another stadium across town. He competed in the 65 plus category, anchoring the 4×100 relay to victory in 52.83 and an hour later ran a strong second leg on the winning 4×400 team (4:22).” Roger told the paper: “I wanted to be there with Diane because she trained so hard. Her 400 was a tremendous validation of her ability and courage under very difficult conditions. I can say from personal experience that third and fifth place in the world isn’t too shabby.” Neither is sacrificing your own event to support a friend. Thanks for role-modeling the best in masters track, Roger!
See Roger’s video of Diane’s 400.
11 Responses
On a related subject: I learned recently why Bill Collins didn’t run at Porto Alegre (after his name appeared in entry lists). Bill wrote me: “Some personal issues came up that I had to take care of. Really missed seeing all my friends from around the world, but hopefully I will see them indoors.”
He is a class act!
Roger is great runner & a great guy , a class act as Michael says !
Only the great Roger Pierce,Can go to the world championships at 80%,And bring home two gold
medals.I have achieved 7 golds,1 silver,and 1 bronze
with Roger,He will give you every once of energy in his body.Now he is becoming a great coach.Diane,
awesome sprinting the best is yet to come.As far as the announcing,Peter Taylor you have nothing to worry about!!!
A class act by a very classy guy. I have known Roger for several years and always enjoy visiting with him at meets. A true masters track athlete.
I first met Roger 5 minutes before the 400 meter finals at the 2011 Outdoor Nationals in Cleveland. He gave me advice, I went out and ran the way that he told me. The only problem was that I had not run that fast in practice. I ended up crashing at the 300 mark. He then yelled at me not to quit, and I dove across the line and won the race. He then picked me up off the track after I was lying face down for a few minutes. We did not see each other for another year but I knew that I would not have won that race without him. We then spent time together at the 2012 Indoor Nationals in Indiana. He started coaching me shortly after. He is the sweetest, most generous and caring person that I have ever met. He is a true sports hero.
Roger and Diane have great chemistry as athletes. Not surprising that Roger would give up for others. I consider both good people and good friends. Congrats
Roger, Without question you are one of the greats in our sports, You show that running is important , but it’s not life. Life is sharing and helping others, that is how our true blessing come to us, to see others succeed from our unselfish acts. The spirit that you show on and off the track for everyone is at the highest level. You have shown the way for all of us to follow. Roger continue to do your thing, Diane you are in great hands, and may this friendship continue to be a blessing for both of you.
Roger Pierce is an extraodinary person and athlete, in that order. If you can’t get pumped up, fired up, inspired, or motivated by either talking with Roger or simply watching him compete; then you must not be alive. His determination and fearlessness is unmatched! Diane congratulations on your performances and landing a special coach. Hey Roger, GO HUSKIES!!! (Northersatern University Huskies) :-).
Great story. Glad to know you Roger!
Roger and Diane are great!!
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