Eric King-
The Masters Athletics team have headed to Daego, South Korea to compete in the World Master’s Indoor athletic championships.
The annual competition pits athletes over the age of 35 right through to Athletes in their 80’s, and even 90’s, who compete against each other for the trophy of the fastest athlete in their race for their age group.
Some competitions in the past have been entertaining as those who are no longer in the youth bracket battle for the top spot with other Athletes in their age bracket all over the world.
It can be an interesting spectacle sometimes as they give their all and show what they can deliver in a world tournament with others in their age group.
Masters athletes are subject to the same doping rules as younger athletes, with sample tests randomly conducted by Ukad officials any time in the year.
Athletes have been flying out in groups since Wednesday, with the last batch gone yesterday in preparation for the first competition on Monday morning, which is Sunday evening, UK time.
Many of the athlete races can be dramatic and entertaining, as the athletes reveal their strengths or limitations, measured against the standard of their competitors. The eye of media.com will be covering the event .
Masters Entries
Jason Carty is the fastest entry in the men’s over 45 group, where he is expected to pick a win, although warnings have already been made of the possibility of an upset from one or two close contenders.
The women’s sprint entries show Averil McClelland among the fastest in the women’s over 55’s group , and Australian Janelle Delaney tops the women’s over 45 in the 200 metres.
Paul Delaney and Kevin Burgess top the M55 and M60 200 meter entries, Tamuno Ossai is expected to dominate both the 60 metres and 200 metres sprints in the men’s 40 group, with Paul Delaney and Kevin Burgess considered the strongest in the men’s 400 metres group. David Elderfield is the dominant name for the men’s 60 metres group.
The over 65 bracket for women section is expected to provide some thrilling competition between Caroline Marler and Jeanette Flynn of Australia in the tasking 400 meter race. Flynn is also entered for the 800m entries for the over 65’s with 2:42, where she competes against Ros Tabor and Marler, Tabor interestingly will also compete in the 1500 metres.
In the women’s 40’s group, at 800 m, Louise Rudd is up against Emanuela Baggiolini of Italy. Jason Carty is currently the fastest of the entries made in the 60 meters of the men’s over 45’s . Joan Howe is the dominant name of the women’s over 60 lists.
In the men’s over 55’s, a battle is expected between Guy Bracken and Frenchman Dominique Delbe in the 1500 metres long distance race.
Also in the field, W40 Ayamba Akim heads the high jump entries, as does Filer in the W60s. Tony Bowman is the fastest in the men’s 80’s group, and competes in other events including the pentathlon. The games are expected to last over a week, after which some athletes will have a tour of South Korea before heading back to their various destinations.