The world masters championships is underway in Italy, with several people, including coach Tony competing, but we have not mentioned anything about the national masters championships last month in Maine. A group of ten individuals competed in a variety of sprints, middle distance, distance, and one field event. Some highlights follow. Results here.
Marie-Louis Michelsohn (W65) won the 2000 meter steeplechase, setting her umpteenth (I’ve lost count) world record this year. Her time of 9:09.25 broke the old world record by one minute and fifteen seconds! Marie-Louise now has the world record in the 2000 steeplechase for W60 and W65. Her time was less than 22 seconds slower than five years ago. Marie-Louis also won the 800 meters in 2:54.01
Records are made to be broken. And the amazing Sid Howard’s 800 meter American record (M65) from three years ago was broken in the 800 final by Frank Condon’s 2:17.20. Sixty-eight year old Sid hung tough to finish second for the silver in 2:30.98. Sid also took fourth in the 1500 meters in 5:25.25. Both times were season bests for Sid.
Val Barnwell (M45) won the 100 meters and ran his fastest time of the year, into a headwind. His time of 11.35 actually moved him up to fifth on the all time club top ten list. Val also took second in the 200 meters.
Recent American record setter Darnell Gatling (M45) won the 400 hurdles in 56.15 and took second over the flat 400 in 51.62
In the 5000 meters Mike Trunkes (M45) followed a fast pace and took second in 16:30.85. Catherine Stone-Barkowski (W45) ran a 64.70 in the 400 meter prelims and then ran to a second place of 64.72 in the final. Kendrick Smith (M55) ran 12.44 in the 100 meter prelims and took fifth in the final with a 12.48.