Past BMAF News Items
BMAF Road Relay Age Groups
The M35 age group is now well established, and the single M35-39 age group has become an anomaly in 10 year age group Relay Races.
The BMAF Executive have received a proposal that from 2011, the age groups for MEN replicate those for WOMEN and the age groupings under EVAA Non-Stadia Team Rules for Road events, namely M35-44, M45-54 etc.
The decision will be taken at the BMAF AGM in July, but all clubs taking part in the Road Relays on May 15th are being asked their opinion. A voting form can be downloaded here.
21/04/2010 15:40:09
World Indoor Championships, Kamloops, Canada
58 GB athletes made the long trip to take part in these championships, but they came away with no less than 71 medals (23 Gold, 27 Silver and 21 Bronze). The competitors had nothing but praise for the quality of the organisation and officiating and the friendliness of all the many helpers. To read team manager John Hall's full report, click here.
23/03/2010 17:06:29
Max Jones 1927-2010
It is with much sadness that we record the death of Max Jones after a fall in his home. He did the BMAF marathon ranking for many years. He still holds numerous age group ultra distance World Bests. We send our sincere condolence to his daughter Sue and his family.
18/03/2010 12:04:11
Double Scott!
Fresh from his fantastic World 200m record in 21.71sec at the NIA in Birmingham on 6 February, Darren Scott (left) returned on 21 February to set a British M40 400m record in 49.35sec.
23/02/2010 11:31:00
World Record for Irie Hill
Irie Hill (right) has broken the W40 pole vault record, clearing 3.65m indoors in Sindelfingen on 29 January, the same venue where Carla Forcellini of Italy set the previous 3.60m mark at the first World Masters Indoor Championships in March 2004.
20/02/2010 18:17:07
Great Scott!
Darren Scott, Southern Counties Veterans AC, whizzed to a new World M40 200m record in a sizzling 21.71sec at the Birmingham Indoor Games on Saturday 6 February. Darren, the current European M35 Champion, erased the 21.94 mark set by Enrico Saraceni of Italy in Genoa, in 2005.
11/02/2010 14:21:33
Dennis Withers 1927-2009
It is with great regret that we record the death of Dennis Withers on 21 December. Dennis was not only a top walker who won several World and European medals, but he was also the familiar Official who stood at the Start/Finish of the Road Relays guiding incoming and outgoing runners on each stage. He accepted and processed Team entries for years and acted as a Field Official at our other Championships on numerous occasions. May you rest in peace. Our condolence to Yvonne and his family.
The funeral is at Streetly Crematorium at 1.30 pm on 7th January, 2010, followed by a reception at Fairlawns, Aldridge. The family would like to be informed of those intending to go to the reception; this can be done via Beryl Randle 0121-329-3505.
23/12/2009 18:47:36
Brian Ariss 1938-2009
We are sorry to report the death of Brian Ariss (pictured here) of Midland Masters AC from cancer. Brian had recently written to Masters Athletics asking people to contact him if they wish, but friends and wellwishers are asked not to call his widow at this time.
15/12/2009 09:11:41
Bill Kingsbury announces retirement
At the recent Welsh Masters’ Annual Awards Dinner, Bill Kingsbury MBE, announced that he would be retiring from competition, and taking a much less active participation in the sport. Bill made it clear that for a number of reasons, not the least some serious health issues over the summer, he was bringing his participation in his beloved sport of Athletics to a close.
It is difficult to convey in a satisfactory manner exactly what Bill has contributed not only to Masters Athletics, but to Athletics in general, particularly in Wales and specifically to his beloved Rhondda AC. He has produced hundreds of Welsh Champions across all the age groups. However it is clear that from the very beginning of his sporting career as a ‘boy soldier’ and Army PTI, through the dozens of British Masters throwing records along the journey to his current 82 years of age, the nature and depth of the man’s knowledge, his determination, his dedication to his sport and particularly to those he coached, and specifically his belief in the integrity and respect that the athlete should display to others within the sport and to the sport of Athletics itself, were absolutely outstanding. He was particularly concerned that those in our sport should not only recognise special performances of excellence, but that they should also understand and respect the dedication and commitment that such athletes had to devote to their event in order to achieve that level of success. Behind his obvious geniality and natural ability to communicate with anyone, all of these core attributes always shone through
Bill Kingsbury is often described as a legend amongst those within the Welsh Masters fraternity, and within Welsh Athletics generally. While Bill himself might say that this description was inappropriate, as he was more interested in the successes of those around him, it is probably one that few within the sport in Wales would disagree with.
The above is taken from an appreciation of Bill that will appear in full in the March edition of Masters Athletics.
14/12/2009 16:25:09
Alf Woods
It is with much sadness that we have learned of the death of Alf Woods of Epsom & Ewell AC after a year long battle with leukemia. He was 81.
Alf was an accomplished Shot Putter and thrower in his younger days and turned to the pole vault in later life.
He was still clearing 3 metres when he was 65 and became World Masters Champion in Buffalo in 1995.
He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
26/10/2009 16:21:22
IAAF Changes about Masters
Change to IAAF Rule 141 will not affect World Masters Athletics or BMAF Competitions.
The new IAAF Competition Rules Book will record the recent change to the above, to read:
“Masters Men and Women: Any athlete who has reached his/her 35th birthday for stadia events and 40th birthday for out of stadia events.”
Please note this will not in any way affect our recruiting athletes who have reached their 35th birthday, they are most welcome to join any of our clubs. A 35-39 age category will be retained in our Championships and at all the World Masters Athletics Championships, including their Non Stadia events.
There are no changes to the men’s and women’s 35-39 age category in the British & Irish Masters International Cross County; the BMAF Cross Country Championships, the popular Road Relays or any other team event. The women’s team format remain unchanged.
14/10/2009 17:11:43
Rules of Competition changes
The following changes were made at the World Masters Athletics General Assembly:
- The weight of the Women’s age groups 75-plus shot and hammer reduced from 3kg to 2kg (the BMAF is waiting for specifications from WMA).
- W75-plus discus is now 0.75kg.
- W75 weight throw now 4kg.
- Men 80-plus long hurdles reduced to 200m event with 5 (five) hurdles.
- Men 60-69 Outdoor and Indoor Hurdles distance “to 1st hurdle” changed to 12m.
- M60-69 60m hurdles (indoor) specifications now are:
Height .840 Number of hurdles 5. Distance to 1st 12m. Distance between 8m. To Finish 16m.
29/09/2009 11:38:10
Some Amendments to the Constitution and Bye-Laws
WMA Anti Doping Rules accepted. New Bye-Law 3.3.3 (They were published on the BMAF and WMA web sites in Draft form for months).
The updated WMA Age Grading tables, as proposed on the WMA web site, adopted for WMA use effective May 1, 2010.
29/09/2009 11:37:20
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
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
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
Health Insurance
Following a report from our Race Walking Secretary in which one of our athletes was taken ill in Poznan I would like to emphasise the importance of members travelling regardless of whether competing or not, to have an EHIC, (European Health Insurance Card) you may be entitled to medical care at reduced cost or sometimes free. Your entitlement will vary based on whether you are going to an European Economic Area country (EEA) or elsewhere in the world. It is also advisable to have travel insurance and possible medical cover in case. Details for applications etc for the EHIC are below.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
Contact
For queries relating to your application or this website you should contact us. The Department of Health should be contacted for all other queries.
By Telephone. 0845 605 0707 or if calling from abroad +44 191 212 7500.
by Post. EHIC Enquiries, PO Box 1114, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 2TL
By E-Mail. https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do.
Details taken from the Department of Health website.
Winston Thomas
13/12/2008 11:25:41
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.