World champion Colleen Barney eyes ’08 comeback
Colleen Barney of Southern California, a world-class mother and estate-tax lawyer, also happens to be a champion masters sprinter. She won the W35 world 100-meter title in Puerto Rico in 2003. But she’s been off the circuit since 2005 — focusing on two athletic daughters, including a champion diver. But word has arrived that she’s baaaacck. I wrote Colleen, and she confirmed her comeback. She’ll be 40 in 2008, and writes: “Goal is to start competing just in the short stuff this year (maybe the 60 at indoor nationals — if I can get ready in time, but definitely the 100). I’m still pretty fit. I never stopped lifting, just stopped the running training (so hard to coordinate practice with all the things I’ve got going with the kids!)”
Colleen continues:
I think I should be able to get back out there and keep my 100 time right around that 13.0 – 13.2 area (which is pretty much where I was before). And, of course, I’d love to beat (soon-to-be-70 training partner) Doug (Smith) at least once in the 100!
This is why masters track is so cool. You can take a break — for life — and still have a sport waiting for you.
Welcome back, Colleen!
4 Responses
Hey Colleen!!! You’re coming back. Welcome to ‘Club 40’. Are you planning on going to Clermont, France for the Indoor WMA? Hope to see you there. Besides, we have some unfinished business to settle since that 100m finals in Puerto Rico. I owe ya! hahahaha
Glad to have you back in action. Miss ya!!!
Linda 🙂
Hi everyone!
Thanks for the kind words Ken, hope I can live up to expectations!
Linda: I don’t plan on going to France, but was thinking about Boston. For sure Washington next summer. Don’t worry, I will find some major meet out of the country to give you a second chance!
Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!
Colleen
Welcome back, Colleen! I am glad you are returning, as I have missed our get-togethers out there on the track. May you return to competitive form, and I wish you well. I am careful not to utter anything I might regret this next season, except to state that I look forward to those 100’s, youngster.
Doug
Colleen–I just learned about your track and field career, and it was a pleasant and impressive surprise. I was a college track athlete and am still a huge T&F fan, although not competing any longer. I have a granddaughter in high school who shows real promise, which is very exciting for me.
Keep up the great work!
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