The 2010 Track and Field National Masters Championships began today at Sacramento State featuring some of the world’s best veteran sprinters, pole vaulters and shot putters….including former world recorded holder Willie Banks.
Liz Palmer is one of the other 1,400 athletes competing. The 49-year-old Folsom resident says the championships prove…age is no barrier to competition.
“I ran hurdles and sprints while in high school and in college. And I was very lucky to find out that you’re still able to run them as a master’s athlete.”
In fact, most of the athletes in the competition range in age from 45-to-55. Bob Burns with the Sacramento Sports Commission says some are even older.
“I just was out at the hammer ring and a 90-year-old won his age group in the hammer. I mean throwing the hammer is hard if you’re 18-years-old and this guy’s doing it at 90.”
The four-day free event ends on Sunday. Plans are underway for a World Masters Championships next year at Sac State.
Liz Palmer is one of the other 1,400 athletes competing. The 49-year-old Folsom resident says the championships prove…age is no barrier to competition.
“I ran hurdles and sprints while in high school and in college. And I was very lucky to find out that you’re still able to run them as a master’s athlete.”
In fact, most of the athletes in the competition range in age from 45-to-55. Bob Burns with the Sacramento Sports Commission says some are even older.
“I just was out at the hammer ring and a 90-year-old won his age group in the hammer. I mean throwing the hammer is hard if you’re 18-years-old and this guy’s doing it at 90.”
The four-day free event ends on Sunday. Plans are underway for a World Masters Championships next year at Sac State.
