Zacharias takes M60 world record to new heights
German high jumper Thomas Zacharias, who retired and then came back a few years ago, is closing in on an incredible feat — 6 feet at age 60. In recent weeks, he’s cleared 1.77 (5-9 3/4) and 1.78 (5-10) for M60 world outdoor records, beating the listed WMA record of 1.72 (5-7 3/4) by American Phil Fehlen and an unratified 1.76 by Finland’s Asko Pesonen. Thomas’ 1.77 on March 24 at Arrecife, Spain, is described on an Italian Web site. The site sez his all-time best is 2.22 (7-3 1/4) from 1971. He jumped in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. According to a high jump record site, Thomas jumped 1.84 (6-0 1/2) at age 59 in January 2006.
A rough translation of a German post:
M60-WR by Thomas Zacharias: “Directly again! “ Thomas Zacharias (*1947, USC Mainz) has to Monday (2,4.) in Arrecife on Lanzarote the M60 high jump world record around a further, set up by it one week ago Centimeter on now 1,78m improves. That ambitionierte Weltrekordler too masters sport.de: “It folded directly again. The match I wanted to use actually only to training and then was nevertheless quite good I in shot. Result 1.78 M.” After the 1,77m one week ago it has first whole training changed over: “No more 1-2 times wöchtentlich on height, but daily over small heights on technology. That responds obviously muscles much more. I put therefore straight full muscular strain and spanning.” And jokeful: “Blows, if I am times correct in form.” Into the match it entered as week period ago again at 1,50, starting from 1,60 would continue it then 3-cm-Weise, which jumped over Thomas Zacharias including the new WR-height in each case in the first attempt. “Also this time however the 1.80 few millimeter was too high. My opponent was this time my best favorite Sergio, 44 years younger Kubaner with a fine Floptechnik”, commentated Zacharias. The young Sergio came on 1,75m. (03.04.07)
