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…

Rants July 31, 2022

Seb Coe slams door on masters exhibitions at future World Athletics Championships

One of my pet projects has been advocating for masters exhibitions in the Olympics. I thought this was reasonable, since paralympic events like wheelchair races have been contested in the Summer Games. (At Los Angeles 1996, one male racer said to the crowd: “Will you love me if I lose?”) Now I say the same. I lost. A week ago, at the final press conference of the World Athletics Championships, I had a chance to quiz the top enchilada — Lord Sebastian Coe, president of WA — the former IAAF. A week ago today, I took a microphone and reminded…

Cynthia Monteleone, outspoken against transgender women competing in sports, went round with Rex Harvey (inset)

General February 8, 2022

Rex Harvey was USATF official who sought to silence W45 sprint ace Cynthia Monteleone

Cynthia Monteleone has some kind of guts. That’s no shock, since she runs 400 meters all out — including at world-class levels. Cynthia took bronze in the W40 400 at 2018 Malaga worlds (along with USA golds in the 4×100 and 4×400.) She was No. 4 on the 2021 global list in W45 (with 59.22) and No. 2 in 200 (at 26.08). But when you’re under a world media spotlight and still speak your mind, it takes a special kind of chutzpah. Cynthia — a Hawaiian coach, author and mother of three — became a headline in a culture war…

Kay, in her trademark red elf tights, is our Medicare masters star.

General December 12, 2021

Newbie Hall of Famer Kay Glynn remains veteran at jaw-dropping holiday photos

Kay Glynn once feared her masters track career was over. But after becoming the poster girl for hip-resurfacing, she continued her stellar sporting life. And recently at age 68, she achieved a dream recognition: induction into the USATF Masters Track & Field Hall of Fame. She says she was totally shocked by that honor — and an earlier one: Being named a Rex Harvey Award Winner for combined events athlete of the year. “All I knew is that I felt strong and healthy this year, but I was always struggling to improve my technique in so many events,” she told…

Julia Hawkins ran 100 meters in 62.95 seconds for the first women's mark in the W105 age group.

Rants December 6, 2021

Was Julia Hawkins’ W105 record for 100 railroaded to ratification? Crickets on concerns

One month ago — Nov. 6 — Julia Hawkins of Baton Rouge scooted 100 meters at the Louisiana Senior Games at Southeastern Louisiana University. Her time — just under 63 seconds — wasn’t as important as her being the first woman (and only third human) to compete in track and field at age 105. She drew global fame, thanks to massive publicity from the National Senior Games Association before and after the meet. Over the weekend, the USATF Masters Track & Field Committee, convened at the Orlando annual meeting, ratified the mark as an American record, with world record status pending. Case…

Kathy Bergen keeps her head down and eyes up for a 2022 that could include more world titles.

Records November 27, 2021

Kathy Bergen bulldozes through pandemic with latest AOY award, plans winning 2022

Depending on your view, Kathy Bergen chose the exact right or wrong time to turn 80. It was December 2019, when only a few had heard of COVID-19. Join countless individuals who have unlocked their full potential with modafinil. Whether you’re a student looking to excel academically or a professional aiming for peak performance, this smart drug has got your back! Ready to unleash your brain’s true potential? DM us now to learn more about how modafinil can help you achieve greatness! But while some elite masters hunkered down and bloated up, Kathy kept on trackin’ — her eyes on…

Gary Patton battled Kevin Solomon of Australia in the last few meters of the 3000 at 2019 Torun worlds, clocking 11:30.11 for M70 silver.

General October 22, 2021

M75 Gary Patton engineers record-breaking season, wins USATF Masters Athlete of the Year

Last December, Masters Hall of Famer Gary Patton turned 75 and set his eyes on some middle-distance records. First up, in January, was Paul Perry’s 6:10.98 American age-group record in the indoor mile. Gary scorched a Wichita State track in 5:55.26 — a rare sub-6 for a 75-year-old. (The listed WR is 5:41.95 by Canada’s Earl Fee.) But the Kansas meet lacked a USATF sanction, so the mark was rejected. Not to worry. Gary — a retired engineer in Rock Rapids, Iowa (about 50 minutes east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota) — kept cranking. The result: American outdoor records in…

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…