USATF Masters Nationals Gets Underway At UNF

Northeast Florida is prepared to be put on the track and field map over the next two weeks. Jacksonville is the site of two of USATF’s National championship events, the Masters’ Nationals and the Junior Olympics. The events will take place at the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium beginning July 23-26 for the Masters’ and July 27-August 2 for the Junior Olympics. This is the same site that the NCAA has chosen for their East Preliminary rounds for the National Outdoor championships, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The Masters’ National Championships offer athletes aged 30 and up, the opportunity to continue to showcase their talents and to compete at a high level. This year’s championships are the precursor to the World Masters’ Championships that will take place in Lyon, France later this summer.

Twelve of the athletes that are competing in Jacksonville are high-ranked contenders and even are considered favorites for winning World championships: Bob Lida, the world’s fastest man over the age of 75; Kathy Bergen, who at the age of 75, bettered the World record in the 100m by .51 seconds in April 2015; Brandi Bernert, at the age of 35 broke the American Indoor 60m record for 35-39 year olds in 2014; Linda Cohn, who will compete in 8 events this year, and holds the World record in javelin in the 60-64 age group; Carol Finsrud, a member of the Masters’ Hall of Fame, most recently competing in the US Olympic trials in 2000, and holds multiple American and World throwing records; Jeanne Daprano, who competes in the over 70 age group, was the first 70+ woman to break 7 minutes in the 1500m with a 6:47.91, and will compete in the 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500; Damon Blakemore, who at the age of 51 won the 100mH at the 2013 World championships in 14.58 seconds, as well as the current American indoor record holder for the Mens’ 50+ age group in the pentathlon; Thaddeus Wilson, the current World record holder in the 100mH for the 60+ Men with a 14.37; Antwon Dussett, one of the “babies” of the group, is, at 39, one of the top 200/400 runners in the world; Derek Pye, a hurdle specialist, and who holds the American indoor record for 40+ Men in the 60mH, will also compete in the 100 and the long jump; Rita Hanscom, a former world track and field masters athlete of the year who holds the American outdoor decathlon records for 50+ and 55+ age groups; Bruce McBarnette, another member of the USATF Masters HOF who holdsthe American records for three consecutive age groups in the high jump, 45+, 50+ and 55+. All of the previous athletes are expected to compete at the Masters’ World Championships in Lyon.

Additionally, two athletes who have competed at prior Olympics, Chaunte Lowe (2004, 2008, 2012), will compete in the high jump and Howard Lindsay, who competed for Antigua/Barbuda in 1984, 1988, and 1996, mostly known for membership on the 4x400m relay, will compete in the 100mH and the long jump.

There will also be two notable athletes that are from other sports or entertainment, Henry Ellard, former NFL wide receiver (New England Patriots, Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins) ,will compete in his second Masters’, focusing on the long, triple, and high jumps, as well as the 400m, and Damien Leake, television and movie actor, best known for his roles in Serpico, Apocalyse Now, and Highlander, is an excellent sprinter, and is considered one of the favorites in the 60+ Men’s 100m.

This is the first National Masters’ meet in the Southeast, as well as in Florida, and Jacksonville is proud to host two USATF of such magnitude and significance. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend to see some of the most amazing athletes of all ages, compete at a high level.