Past BMAF News Items
Latest from Lahti
After six days competition British Masters athletes continue to win World age group titles. Sunday was very much Ladies Day as the ex-Scottish international, Sandra Branny, set a cracking pace in the women's 55-59 age group 5000m lapping all her opponents to win in 18.38.82. Just days short of her 60th birthday, Ros Tabor from Dulwich, London, followed her home to take the bronze. Ever green Ilford schoolteacher, Pam Jones, was second in the W70 5000m category and it was another 3rd place for W40 Nicky Nealon. A silver medal went to the Gloucester hurdler, Jane Horder, and a silver for Mark Wiseman in a tough M40 Discus competition. On Monday Nina Anderson successfully defended her World W35 800m title, John Gercs won the men's 40-44 800m race in 1.57.50sec and Joe Lloyd added to the medals winning the M35 400m hurdles in a brisk 54.29 from fellow Brit Richard Scott. The heats of the 1500m races saw the majority of British runners through to Thursday's finals.
See comprehensive results at http://live.time4results.com/yu/2009/wma2009/.
04/08/2009 16:49:00
News from Lahti
The 277 British Masters athletes competing in the biennial World Masters Track & Field Championships in Lahti, Finland, 28 July-8 August, have now won a total of 122 medals after the first 5 days of competition. Nigel Gates achieved a great double in the Men 55-59 age category winning the 8km cross country on the first day and taking the 5000m track race from a 27-strong field on Saturday. Ex Commonwealth Games medallist, Arthur Thompson also achieved a double in the M70-74 category 5km track and 10km road walks. Ben Reynolds had a great run in the M40 age group 5000m in 15.14.90. Dr. Stephen Peters sped to a 11.57sec M55 100m sprint to retain his World title and is the fastest qualifier for the 200m on Monday, 3 August.
See the results as they come in at http://live.time4results.com/yu/2009/wma2009/.
03/08/2009 15:33:46
2009 World Championships
The city of Lahti is offering great entertainment, exciting sightseeing tours and music for all tastes as well as fantastic competition for the 5300-plus competitors flooding in for the World Masters Track & Field Championships 28 July-8 August. A Wellbeing tent in the city centre will offer athletes and their families an opportunity to meet and socialise with competitors from all over the world. Open from 09.00-17.00, lunch will be available. After 19.00 it opens up for a variety of international entertainment. For serious music lovers, there is the Lahti Organ Festival in the Sibelius Hall.
Tours include Couple dancing on the Pier by Mukkiula beach, boat trips on the many beautiful fresh water lakes. Buffet Dinner, traditional music and locally brewed beer in the 1m thick granite walled Finnish Country Park restaurant in Hollolan Hirvi for €50 or there is a Finninsh/Irish Pork Festival & Folk Music at Cronin's in Heinola, a 20 minute coach trip, or you can escape to the Family Park for Children. It really sounds as if our Finnish friends are making every effort to ensure you have a memorable stay in Lahti.
13/07/2009 13:44:55
Results from Aarhus
Athletes who competed in the European Road Running/Walking events in Aarhus can now download the results, print off their individual and team Diploma or order a DVD from www.sportsvideo.dk.
13/07/2009 13:42:31
2009 AGM
At the 35th Annual General Meeting held in the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, on 4 July. The following Officers were elected:
President, Paul Dickenson
Chairman, Arthur Kimber
Vice Chair, Policy & International Affairs, Kevin Dillon
Honorary Secretary, Bridget Cushen
Honorary Treasurer, Danny Herman
Cross Country Secretary, Philip Lee
Race Walking Secretary, John Hall
Road Running Secretary, Mel James
Track & Field Secreary, Maurice Doogan
Overseas Entries Co-Ordinator, Peter Duhig
10/07/2009 13:58:05
Mary Webb
We are very sorry to report the death of Mary Webb, who sadly lost her 3 year battle with cancer on the morning of 1st July. She competed for a number of years at Welsh/British and European level, collecting many medals, until the illness took hold.
01/07/2009 21:41:38
BMAF 10k Championships
The Magor Marsh 10k open race is now Full Up and the only way of entering our 10k Championship is on the form downloaded from our website and you must be a paid up member of a BMAF Affiliated Club or Association to be accepted. Closing date is 13th July.
30/06/2009 10:22:23
New Travel Agent
We are delighted to announce that Corporate & Sporting Events are now our appointed Travel Agent. They now have available their brochures for all the 2010 European and World Championships,click Fixtures. If you need any further information, they can be contacted on 0121 779 0880. We look forward to a happy working relationship and group travel.
29/06/2009 16:56:00
Laurence Dordoy
It is with deep regret that we record the death of Laurence Dordoy following a motorcycle accident. The BMAF and particularly our walkers, offer their sincere condolence to his family. His funeral is being held on 10 June.
02/06/2009 21:12:44
Home Countries Cross Country International
BMAF and EAMA ( English Athletics Masters Association ) have announced that the 2009 British and Irish Masters Cross Country International will now not be taking place in the Isle of Man due to difficulties in ensuring that all countries would be able to transport all their runners to the venue.
Despite strenuous efforts by the organising committee on the Isle of Man to resolve the situation it proved impossible to guarantee that all those who wished to compete in the Isle of Man would be able to do so. In order not to devalue the status of the International it was decided to look for an alternative venue.
BMAF and EAMA would like to thank IOMVAC for all their strenuous efforts in the organization of the event, previous to this announcement. In particular, a big thank you goes to Lesley Christian and her organising committee for all that they have done since the decision was first taken to hold the event on the Isle of Man.
BMAF and EAMA are very grateful that Midland Masters AC and Birchfield Harriers have offered to host the International at Birmingham on the 14th of November 2009.
11/05/2009 17:00:42
Anti-doping Rules
New WMA Anti-doping Rules and TUE Regulations have been produced. They are based on the rules of the IAAF and these are on the WMA website (and this site's Anti-Doping page) for anyone to view. The WMA General Assembly will be asked to adopt these rules, so anyone with views of changes to them should let the BMAF secretary know as soon as possible so that the points can be put to the BMAF executive and any proposals made to WMA by the 7th May. Whilst looking at any possible change it will need to be borne in mind that these new rules have been agreed by the IAAF with WMA for Masters Athletics, and they must also be read with the IAAF and WMA Anti-Doping Regulations (TUE Guidelines).
17/04/2009 14:58:10
Helen Godsell – Veni, Vidi, Vici!
7th European Veterans Indoor Championships, Italy 25-29 March
Congratulations to our 194-strong team who were part of the 2,872 competitors from 39 countries that entered the above Championships in Ancona, returning home with a haul of 104 individual and 9 relay team medals - another major Championships; another great performance.
In particular we congratulate Helen Godsell on setting a new W55 World 60m Indoor record in 8.46sec; on her British record in the 200m (28.68sec) and her leg in the winning relay team. Averil McClelland on breaking the W50 European 200m record in 26.77sec, winning the 400m in 65.03 and relay, and 3rd in the long jump. Steven Peters on his M55 European 200m record, 24.41sec, 400m win in 56.63sec and silver medal in the relay. British records were set by Irie Hill in the W40 pole vault, clearing 3.40m only five days after competing in Melbourne! Steven Linsell in the M45 high jump (1.84m), Tony Wells winning the M60 60m hurdles in 9.35sec. Charlie Williams in the M75 200m (29.94sec) and Sue Yeomans winning the W55 pole vault with 2.70m
The following athletes retained their European titles: Kermit Bentham, M45 400m. Mark Dunwell, M35 60m. Bob Minting M55 800m. John Munro M35 long jump. John Nicholls M40 shot putt. Stephen Peters reigning M50 200/400, retained both having moved up into the M55-59 age group. Other double winners were John Hall and Colin Turner who triumphed respectively in the M60 and M65 walks. Tony Wells won the M60m hurdles. Women who were also successful include Helen Godsell, holder of the W50 60m/200m won the W55 double. Irie Hill retained the W35 pole vault title. Averil McClelland now moved up to W50 200m. Sally Reed-Cayton W40 800m. Sue Yeomans W50 pole vault and Mary Wixey, W85 long/triple jumps and shot putt.
16/04/2009 21:36:32
SCVAC require treasurer and membership secretary
As Robert Murkin who has been performing these valuable roles is leaving office, Southern Counties Veterans AC are looking for someone to step into his shoes. Applicants for the vacancy should contact David Lipscombe, club secretary on 01923 448852 or lippy@serpentine.org.uk.
31/01/2009 11:22:56
Tony Rawlinson
We are very sorry to announce the death of Tony Rawlinson, our oldest active athlete, on 23 January aged 92 years young. His last competition was in the British Masters Decathlon at Oxford on 13/14 September when he completed six of the ten disciplines in this gruelling sport.
26/01/2009 22:30:08
Bob Fine
It is with deep regret that we learn of the death in a road accident of Bob Fine, USA, one of the founding members of World Masters Athletics. A World champion hurdler turned walker, he was aged 77.
07/12/2008 15:39:38
New Overseas Entries Co-Ordinator
The BMAF have appointed Peter Duhig as Overseas Entries Co-ordinator. His address is 42 Wimboltsham Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9PE, and his email address is peter@peterduhig.plus.com.
He will have as much information about forthcoming events as he can gather posted on the site by the 9th November, and will answer all enquiries as soon as he can. Please be patient until then.
21/10/2008 17:10:59
2008 Marathon Championships - Anglesey
This excellently organised marathon, gave our masters a really warm Welsh welcome.
In return our masters gave the organisers the bonus of a higher quality field.
As at Hexham the previous week, the undulating course would not be conducive to British Best attempts. This did not stop prolific road racer Dennis Walmsley (Bourton Road Runners). He broke the existing course record in a time of 2hrs.39mins.07secs. His closest competitor, also in the same age group o/45 was newly joined member, Dave Walmsley (not related) in a time of 2hrs.46mins.10secs. There was a great battle between o/50 Doug Brisco (Andover A.C.) and o/55 Philip Johnson (Cleethorpes AC.) with just 1min-27secs between them. Both had the satisfaction of taking Gold in their age groups for their efforts though.
Course records were not exclusive to the male section, Angie Sadler (Tewksbury AC) got into the act, breaking the women’s course record in a time of 3hrs.10mins.27secs whilst winning the o/45 section.
I would like to extend my thanks, on behalf of the BMAF, to Menter Mon at Anglesey for hosting our Championships and providing an excellently organised race.
Mel James. Road Race Secretary.
(with apologies from the Webmaster for late submission of this report)
For the Championship results go to Results page, and for full results go to event website.
03/10/2008 12:35:08
Report on the BMAF 10 Mile Championship at Hexham
We were fortunate to have a race at all. The previous week the North East had endured horrendous storms which left the area devastated by floods. Luckily the course was clear and the Tynedale club led by Hugh Bingham arranged alternative parking etc, for the race to proceed. They did a fantastic job. The race is used as warm up for the Gt North run and is traditionally run two weeks before.
On an undulating course any British bests would surely be pretty difficult, but Mike Hagar ( Tipton ) in the 0/55 section had other ideas, his 54.09 surpassed Steve James’s 1993 best by 42secs.a tremendous performance. Another in-form athlete is Cheltenham’s Martin Ford, running just 63.27 in the 0/65 age group. The first master home was Stewy Bell ( Chester-le-Street ) in a time of 53.46 with Eddie Simpson of Dallam Road Runners just 9secs behind.
In the Womens section first lady master home was Elvet Strider’s Fiona Shenton in a time of 64.21 winning Gold in the 0/45s. Closest finish of all was in the 0/65 section, where Doncaster’s Rosemary Armstrong just pipped Kathleen Stewart of North Shields Poly by 6secs for Silver.
The most successful club team was North Shields Poly, winning the Men’s 0/35s and Ladies 0/45s Gold Medals.
On behalf of the BMAF, I would like to thank the VeteransAA-NE for hosting the event, especially Arthur Potter (Sec.) and Ron Stewart ( Chair ) for their involvement and the Tynedale Club for their superb organisation during difficult times.
Mel James ( Road Running Sec.)
17/09/2008 10:01:59
International Competitions
Following the paragraph in the latest Masters magazine from the Chairman’s report on the European Masters Games (EMG) in Malmo, SWEDEN. This is a clarification on the position on athletes that may enter the competition.
Athletes are able to enter the EMG, and will not be debarred from entering any other competitions.
The entries are made directly to the organiser and they do not ask for confirmation from BMAF. Athletes are responsible for their entries.
BMAF will not take the entries and would not deal with any problems that may arise, (anti-doping, misconduct, injuries, losses etc). As we generally have to do these in the events that are entered through us.
It is advised that athletes make sure they have medical cover just in case of injury or health issue.
Winston Thomas
BMAF Chairman
27/07/2008 17:52:42
Great Track & Field Championships
The two day Championships held on 4/5 July in the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, attracted just under 800 competitors, including some from Australia, Ireland and one all the way from Japan. The occasional heavy shower did not dampen the enthusiasm as each 5-year age group event provided excellent competition.
Several members bound for the 16th European Championships in Ljubljana were right on form.
- Howard Moscrop clocked a brilliant 56.56sec World Record in the M50-54 age category 400m hurdles.
- Rosemary Chrimes, one of Britain's most capped international athletes in the early Sixties and Seventies, set two World Records in the W75-79 discus and shot.
- There was also a World Record for Anne Martin in the W70 800m.
20/07/2008 15:31:01
BMAF Annual General Meeting
The 34th AGM, at which all members may attend and vote, attracted a packed meeting room. Concern was expressed on clarification and delays in the issuing of Therapeutic Use Exeption Certificates for older athletes on prescribed medication. Questions on rotating our championships and applause for the Track & Field Secretary, Maurice Doogan, on his team winning the Annual InterLand meeting with France and Belgium. There was applause also for the Editor of our quarterly magazine Masters Athletics on the low production cost and the high quality.
Two candidates stood for election as Vice Chair, Policy & International Affairs. The Chairman of the Southern Counties VAC, Arthur Kimber, was elected. Carole Filer, Overseas Entries Co-Ordinator, did not seek re-election. We now need a candidate for this post.
19/07/2008
Masters Interland match at Ashford, Kent. June 21, 2008
A WORLD RECORD RELAY RUN BY THE BRITISH MEN
It was Britain's turn to host this eagerly anticipated fixture making the most of home advantage by running out winners in both the men's and women's matches against some strong opposition from France and Belgium.
Competing in the magnificently appointed Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent, the windy conditions were unfavourable to sprinters and distance runners alike, but in spite of this the 4x100m men's relay team came away with an M35 world record to set the seal on a brilliant day of athletics.
The quartet of Darren Scott, Mark Dunwell, Jim Tipper and Anthony Leigh, scorched round in a time of 42.51sec to put aside the previous M35 mark of 42.62sec set by the United States at the 2005 World Masters Championships in San Sebastian, Spain.
25/06/2008 11:37:05
BMAF 5k Championships - Horwich June 22nd
The gale force winds on this three lap course did not deter our top British Masters from producing excellent performances.
Top performance of the day went to Angela Copson ( Rugby and Northampton) in the Womens 0/60 age group. Angela shaved three seconds off Carol Wolstenholme’s World Best ( set at Horwich last year ) coming home in 19m- 24s .
Overall there were some close finishes for Gold and Silver.
In the Womens 0/40 section, Melanie James ( Bournville Harriers ) held off Julie Cook ( Salford Harriers ) for Gold by 4 secs. in 18m-08s.
Closest of the day was the duel between Susan Finch ( City of Glasgow ) and Helen Burrell ( Redhill Road Runners ) in the 0/45 section, both given the time of 18m-43s.
With Susan receiving Gold.
The Men’s section also produced some close finishes. In the 0/40’s , overall race winner in a time of 15m-43s Gerry O’Neill ( Salford Harriers) held off Dave Kesterton ( Halesowen A.C. ) by 6 secs. and George Thompson ( Border Harriers ) held off Jon Cordingley ( Bingley Harriers ) by 5 secs in the 0/50 section , finishing in 16m-02s.
A fantastic days racing in less than ideal conditions. With 182 athletes competing from an original entry of 248, showing that Masters Athletics is still a competitive section of UK Athletics.
25/06/2008 11:35:58
Ajit Singh Kalirai MBE 1927-2008
We are sorry to announce the death of Ajit Kalirai on Monday May 19th. He was awarded his MBE in 2002 for his services to the community and to Masters Athletics.
There will be a last lap of the athletics track for him prior to his funeral on Tuesday 27th May at Perivale. The cremation will take place at Amersham. Full details can be found here.
The news was passed to us by his son Suki (suki@normanswood.co.uk), who added:
"We would be delighted to welcome any one that knew dad…. I also write to convey my thanks to you all for providing my father many many enjoyable times."
22/05/2008 09:50:38
World Indoor Championships
Photographs of GB athletes at the recent World Indoors at Clermont Ferrand are now on-line at www.tomphillipsphotos.co.uk, and at www.rikko2photo.co.uk.
03/04/2008 09:34:39
BMAF Indoor Championships
Action pictures from the 2008 Indoors at Pickett’s Lock can be viewed at www.tomphillipsphotos.co.uk and www.rikko2photo.co.uk.
04/03/2008 12:41:53
Francis Scott 1958-2008
It is with deep regret that we record the death of our 400m runner, Francis Scott, on 24 February, aged 49.
The BMAF and all its members offer our sincere condolence to his wife Maria and daughters Patrice and Frances.
26/02/2008 16:11:57
Coaching courses for master athletes
Here are details of coaching courses for master athletes.
23/01/2008
Gordon Porteous 1914-2008
"The Flying Scotsman" has finally come to a halt. Our oldest competitive athlete, Gordon Porteous, Scottish Veteran Harriers, was laid to rest in Barrhead on 25 January, weeks short of his 94th birthday. His last major race was at Coatbridge in October 2004 when he smashed the M90-94 age category World 10,000m track record, winning in 69min.26.92sec.
He won 23 World and European age group medals, including the marathon, in 2hrs.51min aged 60, at the first ever World Veterans Track & Field, Toronto in 1975. He remained unbeaten over this classic distance by any one of his own age. He returned home from the World Championships in New Zealand in 1981 with four gold medals. He currently holds the following records:
- World M90-94 5,000m in 31.25.45
- World M90-94 10,000m in 69.26.92sec
- European records as above, plus the M85-89 5000m
- British 1500m records from aged 80 through to age 93
- British M80-84 3000m Indoor.
His many friends and admirers will have fond memories of meeting a great amateur athlete and a true gentleman.
12/02/2008 09:16:36
Cesare Beccalli
We are saddened to learn of the untimely death of Cesare Beccalli, President of World Masters Athletics. A charismatic leader, a competitor and a founding member of the European VAA, he made a huge contribution to masters athletics over many years.
29/12/2007 18:30:20
Photos from Riccione
Photos from the World Championships in Riccione taken by the two BMAF accredited photographers can be seen at:
Lesley Richardson can be contacted at richarlg99@aol.com, while Tom Phillips' email address is tomp2@tiscali.co.uk.
BMAF Championships Photos
Tom Phillips' photos from the Track & Field Championships in Birmingham on July 28/29 can be seen at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/movingmountains/index.htm (follow the link for “Current Galleries”). Any athletes interested in obtaining copies of these can email him at tomp2@tiscali.co.uk.
07/08/2007 17:53:59
Closing date for TUE applications
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TUE APPLICATIONS IS 14 AUGUST 2007.
The Chairman of the WMA Medical and Anti-Doping Committee Stan Perkins has advised that the last date for receipt of Therapeutic Use Exemption Applications is the 14 August, 2007, 21 days before the start of competition in the WMA Stadia Championships in Riccione, Italy.
Athletes are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid a last minute rush that may delay the assessment of their form.
Perkins also reminded athletes that it was strongly recommended that they discuss their medications/ treatments with their medical service provider and determine if there was an alternate treatment available that was not on the IAAF/WADA banned list of medications. Many athletes have found that there are approved alternate medications available to them and, additionally, some athletes have found that they can temporarily suspend their medication to allow them to compete in the championships without impacting upon their health situation.
It should be noted by all athletes that random doping testing will take place during the championships.
Stan Perkins
Chairman Medical and Anti-Doping Committee
WMA
27/07/2007 15:59:23
Jim Day
On Sunday morning, 1st July 2007, the sport lost a good friend and kindred spirit when Jim Day passed away suddenly.
Jim was a true gentleman and never had a bad word to say against anybody and was generous with his time and support for everyone around him. His friendly nature and his sustained athleticism earned the respect of all. The sport and the pole vaulting community will miss him very much.
Two World 5km Bests In Horwich
Congratulations to Carol Wolstenholme who ran a World W60-64 Age Group Best of 19.27sec and to Steve Charlton, now into his 81st year, who set an M80-84 World Age Group Best in the amazing time of 22.41sec over 5km in Horwich on 24 June. The 3-lap course has an uphill finish.
World Indoor Record for Val Parsons
Val Parsons, who won the Women's age group 60-64 100m and 200m at the European Veterans Championships in Poznan last July, broke the W60 World Indoor 60 metre record at an Open Meeting in Eton on 7 January 2007. She clocked a magnificant 8.83sec. The record is awaiting ratification.
Multiple awards for Arthur Thomson
The British Athletic Supporters Club has awarded Arthur Thompson the Master Athlete of the Year Award for his outstanding walking achievements at the British and European Championships.
Earlier he was elected European Best Male Veteran Athlete for 2006. He has earned this award by setting 3 World Records: 20km Road Walk ( 1.56.44), 30km Road Walk (2.52.47) and 5000m Track Walk (26.01.52). The citation outlines his superiority to other veterans in his age group and the fact that he has outclassed the old records.
In EVACS in Poznan, Poland 2006, in the oppressive warmth (30-35 degrees), Arthur broke his compatriot James Grimwade's classic M70 record for the 20 km Road Walk of 1.58.10 from Malmö 1986 with a phenomenal 1.56.44. In the British Masters Championships in Birmingham, just before Poznan, Arthur broke the 24 year old M70 World Record for the 5000m Race Walk of the Australian T Daintry of 27.02 with 26.01.52. In Poznan he produced a championship record of 26.34.87. In Coventry in August 2006 Arthur set a record of 2.52.47 in 30km Road Walk. The previous record belonged to Albert Sturni of France at 3.05.10 set in 1993.
Arthur was also nominated for World Male Master Athlete of the year, which went instead to the American Bill Collins. Melitta Czerwenka-Nagel of Germany won both European and World Female awards.
Anti-Doping Control
Winston Thomas, BMAF Chairman, has issued this announcement
"Following several problems with anti-doping at WMA masters championships, and WMA as well as my comments in the Masters Athletics, the Urine Testing Procedures from the UK sports brochure are being posted on the website (see the Drugs page) for all to be familiar with. In World and European Masters Events the same procedures are (should) be followed, so please make yourselves familiar with these procedures. More and more masters athletes will be subjected to testing, and in future championships there will be far more tests than before, and please bear in mind that as we tend to do very well in these competitions we are liable to be in the firing line.
"For applications for Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) please note that in future all forms MUST go to David Herbert at UKA. More information can be found on the UKA - www.ukathletics.net - and UK Sport - www.uksport.gov.uk - websites.
Les Williams
We regret to record the death on 27 January 2006 of Les Williams, aged 83. A Welsh rugby international, awarded the freedom of Falmouth in recognition of his contribution to local sportsmen and women. A World Champion and age group record holder for the 60m and 200m.
Torsten Carlius
It is with great regret that we record the untimely death from a heart attack of Torsten Carlius, Sweden. He was elected Secretary of World Masters Athletics at the General Assembly in San Sebastian. A former high jumper, he was aged 66.
Norman Ashcroft
It is with deep regret that BMAF record the death of Norman Ashcroft, a Life Vice President and one of the founding members of the Northern VAC.
Men aged 35-39
At the IAAF Congress in Helsinki on 3 August 2005, delegates voted in favour of lowering the age of men master athletes to age 35. The BMAF welcomes the move.
Excellent run by Tracey Morris in the Olympics
Media attention may have been focused elsewhere but Tracey's 2.41.00 for 29th in the marathon in Athens in such conditions, was brilliant. Congratulations!
BVAF changes name to British Masters Athletic Federation
At the AGM of the BVAF, held after the completion of the first day's events of the Track & Field Championships on July 27th 2002, a motion to change the Federation's name to replace "Veterans" with "Masters" was carried with a clear majority.
Chris Maddocks Earns Ovation in Sydney
A British vet achieved the distinction of completing his fifth Olympic race, when he competed in the 50k walk in Sydney. Chris Maddocks, who is a member of Plymouth City Walkers and South West Vets, was the only BVAF affiliated athlete competing at Sydney.
Chris was unfortunate enough to pick up a hamstring problem during the later stages of his preparations, which affected him from early on in the race. This explains why he was nearly an hour slower than the time he achieved earlier in the year. Nevertheless he battled on and received a huge reception when he eventually made it into the stadium.