Robert Thomas hopes to succeed Jerry Bookin-Weiner (right) as USATF Masters T&F Committee chairman.

General December 2, 2024

Q&A’s with Robert Thomas Jr. and Mike Travers, USATF masters chair and treasurer candidates

Masters Hall of Famer Robert Thomas Jr. of Indiana, a world-class age-group quarter-miler until a few years ago, is poised to succeed Jerry Bookin-Weiner as USATF Masters T&F chairman at this week’s annual meeting in Orlando. In a frank Q&A, he says Mt. SAC withdrew as 2025 outdoor nationals host because of pricey per diems for Southern California Association officials. He also supports more masters drug-testing if the budget allows. And he reveals that USATF annual meetings will be remotely viewable beginning in 2025. Below Robert’s responses is a reply to some of my questions from incumbent USATF Masters T&F…

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Linda Pain listens to plaudits for husband David at San Diego TC event.

Obituaries October 19, 2022

Linda Pain dies at 85; wife and greatest supporter of masters track founder David Pain

If masters track had a Hall of Fame for Spouses, Linda Sheldon Pain would be a charter inductee. The second wife of the late founder of our niche sport, Linda married David Pain in 1979. David’s first wife, Helen, was critical to spreading the movement via her travel agency and help with the U.S. Masters International Track Team. But Linda was key as the prime supporter of David and being active in the Senior Olympics circuit. When David couldn’t speak, she spoke for him. When he could barely move, she made him comfortable, setting him up for hospice care in…