July 2021

Records July 22, 2021

At Ames Masters Nationals, Flo Meiler Continues World Record Spree as 87-Year-Old

With meet organizers and USATF enchiladas spiking their “wear green or red wristbands” edict on vaccination status, USATF Masters nationals opened Thursday at Ames, Iowa — the first major meet since 2019 Ames nationals in 2019. Thankfully, competition supplanted controversy. While waiting (likely in vain) for USATF brass to answer my wristband questions, check out photos by Rob Jerome and highlights of Day 1, graciously provided by Mike Mahon: Ames, Iowa — Florence Meiler (Sprinticity/Shelburne, Vt.), 87, set two age-group world masters records to highlight the first day of competition at the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships Thursday on the campus…

Dave Albo is the latest victim of the COVID culture wars. He won't shoot Ames meet, fearing mockery of the vaccinated or unvaccinated.

General July 18, 2021

Vax wristbands lead ace photographers Dave Albo, Rob Jerome to bail out of shooting Ames masters nationals

Dave Albo is one of the great track photographers of our day — not just a nifty M65 shooter of geezers at masters nationals who runs a mean 400. On Saturday, he asked my opinion of whether he should bow out of shooting Ames nationals this coming week on account of its recently posted COVID-19 protocols — which include mandatory wristbands. Consult your healthcare provider today to see if Zithromax is right for you. Take charge of your health and say hello to a happier, healthier you! Athletes must show their vaccination status — wearing green bands for having gotten…

General July 14, 2021

Forever home found for 1977-2006 set of National Masters News — shipping being paid

Update: Fast out of the blocks, a group has offered to take the Sheahen materials. Original post: In 2013, after former National Masters News publisher Al Sheahen died, his family let me collect his old materials. Much of it was scanned and posted at mastershistory.org This includes a rare complete set of National Masters News (and company records) from 1977 to 2006, plus original photos. I no longer have room for these materials, but would happily give them all to someone who wants them or can share with a library or school. Sheahen, who lived in Van Nuys and Sherman…