• News
• Championships
• Records
• Results
• About us
• History
• Addresses
• Antidoping
• Laws & Rules
• Regions
• Reports
• Links
• Photo Gallery

Scarborough, CAN, July 30-31, 1994 (Road Racing)

With annual national championships in track, road and cross country events and biennial regional and world track & field championships already in operation there might be a limit to the number of broadly representative events that pure amateurs can digest. Scarborough, CAN, hoped this was not so when they successfully bid for the 1994 Non-Stadia event. Much hard work by the Canadian organisers coupled with excellent support from the municipality still only partially answered the query. There were competitors from 27 countries in competition but only 515 entries (60 % foreign) despite the fact that the program was enhanced by the official inclusion of a 20km walk. 256 entered the 10k, 182 the 25k road races, 77 entered for the walk.

Top performances included stirring efforts by Nigel Gates, Hugh Arnold and William Marshall, GBR, John Sheridan, IRL, Jossette Colomb-Danin, FRA, Don Denoon and Norman Green, USA, Ingo Sensburg, GER, Yoshiko Nishimura, JPN, Ed Whitlock, Henry Bickford and June Marie Provost, CAN, and, as always, the amazingly consistent Omer van Noten, BEL.

In 1996 the Road Racing Championships moves to a well tried venue, Bruges, Belgium. Perhaps then we will have a definite answer.



Buffalo, USA, July 13-23, 1995 (Stadia)

5.500 WAVA competitors, second in numbers only to Miyazaki, Japan, in 1993, were welcomed to the XIth Track & Field WAVA World Chwnplonships in July. Two stadiums at the University of Buffalo were the main sites of competition and the organisers were led by Vito J. Borrello, Neal Fatin and Robert Greene. The spirit of the volunteers and the level of competition (58 world records were set) were outstanding but the unexpectedly torrid weather conditions were exceedingly trying. July 15th was for example 36 degrees C (97 degrees Farenheit). The cross country events had to be halted on the 13th when an ambulance shortage was unable to meet the demands of the medical assistance to heat exhausted runners. Despite this, and quallty problems with the secondary track, lack of cover at both stadiums and a perceived lack of appreciation by the organisers that this was an international meeting, the efforts of the officials and the always present camaraderie at WAVA Champlonships, made Buffalo a success to be long remembered.

As earlier mentioned the quality of the competition was breathtaking. Once more the famous names of previous years came through:
Peter Speckens, Gerhard Weidner, Brunhilde Hoffmann and Paula Schneiderhan of Germany, Stan Druckery, Phil Rashker, Joan Ottaway, Irene Obera, Lenore McDaniels and Dan Bulkley of USA. Who will forget the Jim Barrineau/Dwight Stones duel? Australia's Reg Austin, maintaining his gold medal string-, fantastic Marge Allison; fellow New Zealanders Rod Dixon and Ron Robertson, Canada's Earl Free (with 3 new world records), Molly Turner. June Marie Provost and Lenore Marvin (CAN), repeating past triumphs, talented Mazumi Morita, JPN, and Ralph Romain, TRI, masterful and thrilling. We were also treated to some newer Greats, speedster Rolf Gisler, SUI, powerful Eduardo Castellano, VEN, Jacoba Bellingham, RSA, the next host country, remarkable Steve Robbins, USA, and Reg Phipps, GBR, the great Stig Backlund, FIN, John Keston, USA, Ludmilla Nitlagorskaya, RUS, Ann Cooper, AUS, Tuplet Vasconcellos and Antonio de Fonseca, BRA, Maureen de St Croix, CAN, and Alipu Santos, POR. The list seems infinite despite many omissions.

Once again the WAVA General Assembly proved as interesting as the competition events. However, a sombre note was struck at the commencement as a silence was observed in honour of the unstinting service rendered by the late Bill Taylor, WAVA VP Stadia. He will be sorely missed.

In the elections, President Cesare Beccalli (ITA) was overwhelmingly returned for a 5th tenn by 89 votes against 25 votes to Owen Flaherty (ESP), despite a Canadian attempt to impeach him for alleged irregularities in the 1987 elections, which was ruled out of order. Tom Jordan (USA) was elected Executive Vice President in a tight (59 to 55) vote over long time incumbent Bob Fine (USA). Jim Blair (NZL) was chosen as VP Stadia to replace the late Bill Taylor with 63 votes over Ron Bell (GBR) 31 votes and Vadim Marshev (RUS) 20 votes. Reelected without opposition were Jacques Serruys (BEL), VP Non-Stadia, Torsten Carlius (SWE) Secretary and Al Sheahen (USA) Treasurer. Hannelore Guschmann (BEL) had been reelected at the Women's Assembly as Women's Delegate and the following Regional Delegates at their respective assemblies: Hannes Booysen (RSA) for Africa, Hari Chandra (SIN) for Asia, Wilhelm Köster (GER) for Europe, Rex Harvey (USA) for North and Central America & the Caribbean and Jorge Alzamora (CHI) for South America. The Oceania Delegate was to be elected later.

During the 1993-95 term the WAVA Executive had taken a number of steps which would improve understanding with future organising bodies and these were discussed at length and voted upon.

Amongst the bids to host the 1999 WAVA Track & Field Championships, Gateshead, GBR, easily triumphed, garnering 79 votes to 22 for Kuala Lumpur, MAS, and 13 for Victoria, CAN. All presentations were impressive and the membership can look forward eagerly to taking part in Britain's first WAVA Stadia Championships. The Road Championships in 1998 were awarded to Kobe, JPN.

Towards the end of the Buffalo Championships, the hot weather spell broke and torrential rains came. Everything was thoroughly dampened, except the enthusiasm of the many thousands of participants, officials, volunteers and guests. Buffalo was on parade and came through with honours. Well done Buffalo!



Brugge, BEL, 1996 (Road Racing)

1998 Updates by Jacques Serruys (Road Racing)

There were 1,467 entrants for the 10k and 1609 entrants for the 25k road races (93.4% from 42 countries were foreign), and 245 entrants for the walking race.


Durban, RSA, July 17-27, 1997 (Stadia)
Continued by Pete Mundle (Stadia)

IIt was the first time that the WAVA Championships had been held in Africa and many could not wait to sample the unique African culture as well as compete. Some took advantage of the tours to the game reserves to see Africa’s wild animals in their natural habitat. Others traveled to the nearby scenic countries of Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe with its spectacular Victoria Falls. All those who stayed at the beach hotels were greeted with panoramic views of the beautiful beach area and the Indian Ocean. Seeing the sun rise over the Indian Ocean at breakfast was a daily uplifting sight.

The South African hosts were very friendly and did their best to make everyone feel at home. Transportation to and from the stadium was always dependable. There were even local volunteers with vans who picked up stray people who had missed the bus. Except for the second and ninth days of the competition the weather was excellent. On the second day the rain never stopped and made life miserable for the decathletes and heptathletes. The conduct of the meet started out rather badly as inexperienced officials made many mistakes in the first few days. Later, with the help of foreign officials, the meet got back on track and all proceeded well thereafter. The opening ceremonies on the third day featured African rhythem music and their version of rock and roll as laser beams lit up the field in the form of flowers. Even the people in the stands got into it with some lively dancing. A beer garden was set up between the two main stadia where one could relax with food and drinks and listen to music of different cultures every day. Camels were nearby to be mounted for a ride around the area for the more adventurous.

5788 athletes from 76 countries took part in this the 12th WAVA Championships, which is the second in size both in number of athletes and nations. On the track 58 World records were bettered of which 54 were approved by WAVA Council, with four pending due to insufficient wind information. As in the past championships the incomparable Phil Raschker of the USA won the most golds (10) and also improved on the most records (6). But the most astounding performances were those of Derek Turnbull from New Zealand whose endurance continues to amaze. Derek had 6 golds in track events 800 meters and over, including the marathon. Three of his golds were world records. Torsten Stale chipped in with 6 golds in the distance events (M80, SWE). Another New Zealand distance great, 56 year old Ron Robertson added 5 more golds with a WR in an impressive steeplechase performance. Two others with 5 golds were the 85 year old blind wonder from Canada, Ivy Granstrom and distance star from England Jose Waller (W75). Four of Ivy’s marks were world records. Nine won 4 golds (all of whom are proven champions from the past): Schneiderhan (W75, GER).

Pederson (W50,SWE), Reile (80,GER), Larsson (W65,SWE), Valien (W70, USA), Frith (W85, AUS), Gathercole (M90, AUS), Taskinen (M80,FIN), and Jarvinen (M70, FIN). There were 21 triplers (the most impressive of whom was the 60 year old jump star from Germany, Christiane Schmalbruch whose three golds produced three world records) and 47 doublers. One of the best races was between Irene Obera who won the 100m and the 200m (WR) and Jean Hoagland who won the 800m (WR) and the 1500, both from the USA, when they met in the 400m. In an exciting race the two went head to head all the way until it appeared Irene would draw away in the final straight. Jeanne suddenly went into high gear and passed Irene on the inside half way to the finish line to nip Irene. Irene had not lost a race in WAVA competition since the first championship in Toronto in 1975.

On the WAVA political front, Torsten Carlius (SWE) was elected President, edging out Al Sheahen (USA) who had finished out his 5 terms as Treasurer. The previous president, Cesare Beccalli (ITA), like Sheahan had also completed his limit of 5 two year terms. As past President, Cesare will continue to hold a seat on the WAVA Council for two years. Ron Bell (GBR) became the VP Non-Stadia with his victory over incumbent Jacques Serruys (BEL) and Giuseppe Galfetti (SUI) won out over Norm Green (USA) and Jose Figueras (URU) for the vacated position of Treasurer. The offices of Exec. VP (Tom Jordan of USA), VP Stadia (Jim Blair of NZL) and Secretary (Monty Hacker of RSA) ran unopposed. Bridget Cushen is once again the Women’s Representative, defeating Hannelore Guschmann who had held the office for two terms. An important proposal passed by the General Assembly was to increase the Councillors’ two zear terms of office to four years, whilst limiting the consecutive number of terms capable of being served in the same office to two four year terms.

After bids by Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Victoria (Canada) were withdrawn, the remaining bidder, Brisbane (AUS), was awarded the WAVA Championships for 2001.



Kobe, JAP, 1998 (Road Racing)

A record number of participants were counted: 10,820 for the 10k race, 6,173 for the half marathon. Of those only 2% came from foreign (16) countries. No race walks took place.

We must admit that WAVA has made the right decision to separate the Track and Field Championships and the Road Walk Championships. The high number of participants at the Track and Field Championships proves that it becomes undesirable for organizers to organize both championships together.

The large group of veteran distance runners have also obtained, with the separate championships, a broader scale of possibilities. These athletes who could financially not afford some expensive trips, were given the opportunity to participate in regional championships.

The new non-stadia committee will expand this programme in the future successfully and bear in mind that the basis for long distance and walk should be friendship and health.



Gateshead, GBR, July 29 – August 8, 1999 (Stadia)

Following the 12th Track and Field Championships in Durban (RSA) 1997, the organizing committee spent some time clearing up a number of problems, most of which stemmed from financial shortfall. After considerable effort, these were overcome and obligations to competitors who had paid for results books and videos etc. were met. Now everyone could look forward to the 13th Championships to be held in Great Britain.

During the early 1970’s, British enthusiasts like Jack Fitzgerald and Clive Shippen had done much to encourage the formation of WAVA and in all the championships British Veterans had played an active role. Despite this and the conduct of successful European veteran events, the British had not found it possible to bid for a world event until the very successful endeavour by Gateshead at the Buffalo General Assembly of 1995. Preparations were aided by strong technical assistance from WAVA Council.

When it all came together in July and August of 1999, Gateshead was able to prove, as had Eugene in 1989, that anticipation could indeed be exceeded by reality. The weather in N.E. England, usually featuring days of cool overcast and rain, instead featured glorious sunshine and warmth. The facilities at Gateshead International Stadium and the supporting venues were ideal in size and quality for a Veteran meet, the officiating was not only well nigh perfect but delivered in a friendly easy manner reflecting the greatest concern for the competitors. The efforts of the 1,000 volunteers showed that they too were part of the joyous spirit which prevailed.

The total of 6,000 competitors, the second highest of any WAVA championships (to Miyazaki JAP 1993) was also the most international, as 4,200 came from outside Gt.Britain. Germany, as is usual in WAVA events, was runner up to host nation in numbers while the USA was also impressive.

The quality of competition was very high. In almost all events and age categories, wenning a medal demanded superlative performance and so, without an acknowledgement listing too long for this history, it is impossible to single out all the deserving efforts. A few of the host nation’s stars were Chris Maddocks (M40), Stepen Peters and Nigel Gates (M45), John Henson (M55), Alan Meddings (M70) and Bronwen Cardy-Wise (W45). Not to be forgotten were those two splendid veterans from North of the nearby Scottish border, Gordon Porteous (M80) and John Farrell (M90). Amongst the many stars from Germany were Hans Schinkitz (M40), Wolfgang Ritte (M45), Rolf Geese (M55), Heinrich Gutbier (M75) and on the distaff side the evergreen Paula Schneiderhan (W75), Dagmar Fuhrmann (W45) and Hildegard Liedke (W80). From the USA, Anselm Le Bourne (M40), Don Denoon (M50) and Dan Bulkley (M80) with Irene Obera (W65) were just a part of an amazing squad. The remarkable M95 Waldo McBurney was everywhere.

Karla Jortikken (W75) with five golds, led Finnish heroes Matti Jarvinen (M70) and Erik Erikson while from Canada Karl Trei (M90) went home with 7 golds and Olga Kotelko (W80) with 6. Harold Morioka (M55), Ed Whitlock (M65) and Earl Free (M70) staged great performances as they always do. Other great results came from athletes from around the world. Australia’s Alan Bradford (M60), and Ruth Frith (W85), 5 golds; South Africa’s Isabel Hofmeyer (W70); New Zealand’s Ron Robertson (M55); Portugal’s Francisco Vicente (M65); Sweden’s Torsten Stale (M80); Belgium’s great Omer Van Noten (M50) and Emil Pawels (M80) while neighbouring Netherland’s Simon Herlaar (W70) and Gerda Van Koojen raised many a cheer. Finally, on this inadequate list, the remarkable Japanese Mazumi Morita (M85).

Although this was not an election year for Council members, there were busy debates on a variety of considerations at the General Assembly, the Women’s meeting and the technical and non-stadia meetings. WAVA President Torsten Carlius conducted the major meeting with quiet authority. Instant translation was provided in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. This resulted in a more efficient meeting than any we had previously enjoyed. The President stressed that WAVA events would continue to have the benefit of new technical advances in the future.

Noteworthy amongst the debated issues was an update on our relations with the International Masters Games Association (IMGA). While there is evidence of common interest some members voiced concerns for our existing programmes. It was decided that any progress would be made with caution.

A motion was brought by the Council that our name be changed to “World Association of Master Athletes (WAMA)”. The term “Veteran” was frequently misunderstood and was not attractive to potential sponsors. This motion needed a 2/3 majority to pass. It almost succeeded (73 vor, 46 against, 2 abstentions), and the matter will likely be reviewed in the future.

A further Council motion for the provision of Honorary membership in three divisions was, however, overwhelmingly adopted, viz:

1. Honorary Life Presidents, for which only former WAVA Presidents were eligible;
2. Honorary Life Members, open to former Council Members; and
3. The Council to have the power to award bronze pins to persons who have rendered meritorious service to WAVA but who do not qualify for the above honours.

Later in the meeting, Honorary Life President honours were bestowed on Don Farquharson and Cesare Beccalli, while Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to Bob Fine, Al Sheahan and Hans Axmann. Previous appointments of Clem Green, Roland Jerneryd and Alastair Lynn as Honorary Life Members were also ratified.

Amongst the resolutions adopted was an extension of the non-stadia programme to include Cross Country and Road Relays.

Bidders then delivered their endeavours to host the 2003 15th Track and Field Championships. Presentations were made by representatives of Cesenatico (ITA), Kuala Lumpur (MAL) and Caguas (PUR). The Malaysian citiy, bidding for the fourth time, was successful.

Bidders for the Non-Stadia Championships were Upice (CZE) and San Isidoro (ARG), and the South American city was successful.

The 14th WAVA Track and Field Championships (2001) had previously been awarded to Brisbane (AUS) and David Lloyd on behalf of the Brisbane LOC furnished an attractive update on the event which left everyone most enthusiastic. The 2000 Non-Stadia Championships will be held in Valladolid (ESP) May 2000.

Following the closing ceremonies in Gateshead, athletes and supporters said their appreciative goodbyes to Mike Newton and his army of assistants, and regretfully departed, many of them to visit other parts of Britain, Ireland and continental Europe, but never to forget this final championships of the millennium. Thank you Gateshead and the British Vets!



Brisbane, AUS, July 1 – 14, 2001 (Stadia)
(History continued by Brian Oxley – Stadia)

Extending “Don’s History” means first reading all that has been written before. This is both a happy and a sad task – happy to realize how well we have succeeded and how much excitement we have all shared – sad to know that Don Farquharson, our leader through so many years, died unexpectedly in July 2000, a young 75. His last contribution to WAVA had been to describe our Gateshead championships and General Assembly with his accustomed clarity and insight. He will always be with us in spirit. Her personal conviction, that all ca be achieved if one is but determined enough to attempt it, lives on in all of us.

As we marched on confidently towards Brisbane, Council’s path suddenly narrowed and became more rocky. A Doping suspension generated considerable publicity. The debate quickly became polarized, between those who would have doping control firmly applied as is the case in the open arena, and those who would have WAVA exercise broad discretion in interpretation of internationally established rules. This led to a motion before the Assembly in Brisbane, of which more later.

Of more immediate concern was difficulty in enacting the Gateshead Assembly’s decision to offer our 2003 Championships to Malaysia. A contract having been drafted and signed, it quickly became apparent that support for the LOC was dangerously fragmented and that some contract wording was being ignored. A deadline for addressing Council’s objections was passed. Therefore, Council exercised its only option, which was to offer the Championships to the second bidder, Puerto Rico. The decision was, as might be imagined, taken reluctantly, especially as Malaysia had tried for so long to win a bid, but time had run ou if Puerto Rico were to be allowed sufficient time to prepare.

The 2001 Brisbane team set new standards in communication between an LOC and WAVA’s affiliates, and lived up to all their commitments. The main venue, ANZ, received a second track, making these the best facilities we had ever enjoyed. All was in place when the flood of competitors, families, and officials arrived. This was the fifth largest (nearly 5,000) entry and the most countries (80) ever; the total of non-host entries (over 3,600= had been surpassed only twice in Europe and never outside it. Sunny Brisbane was cool in the early mornings but presented an attractive, happy, smiling face to its visitors at all times. LOC General Manager David Lloyd, Chairman Kerry Watson, Event Manager Jacey Octigan and Competitions Director Alan Bell backed by an enormously strong officials group, led their teams enthusiastically. One Achilles’ heel was uncovered, being computer applications, particular as regards results. In consequence, the results book could only be published after all the data had been reviewed. The official results were published six months later, but serve as a pleasant reminder of a memorable championships.

The competition? Tough and friendly, as ever. 40 new world records were set. Of these, stand-outs were Ron Robertson NZL in M60 1500m, 5,000m and 2k steeple; ed Whitlock CAN in M70 5,000m and 10,000m; and our first M100 records, set by Leslie Amey AUS over 100m and 1500m. Our first W90 records in 400m and 800m were set by Rocha Rosario Iglesias MEX. A sign of our maturity is that records are not falling so often in the younger age groups. One could list multiple medalists and praise so many excellent performances, describe so many exciting races and field competitions, but the only way of dealing with it in a few words is to say ‘you really had to be there!’

The General Assembly occupied a full day. 122 voters were registered: Africa 4, Asia 14, Europe 55, North and Central America and the Caribbean 13, Oceania 7, South America 13 and Council 14. 26 of the 80 countries attending the championships did not seek a vote.

2001 was an election year in our new 4 year cycle. The only position contested by prior nomination was that of Vice President (Stadia). Rex Harvey USA, a former Council member as a regional representative, ran against incumbent Jim Blair, NZL, who had been elected in Buffalo in 1995, leading us through our stadia championships in Durban, Gateshead and Brisbane. Harvey succeeded and immediately faced the challenge of preparing for the 2003 Championships in Puerto Rico. In a surprising development, Women’s Representative Bridget Cushen, UK, who had previously served for ten years up to Miyazaki and been re-elected in Durban, attended the Women’s Assembly unopposed, but was unseated after a procedural challenge was allowed and voted upon at the General Assembly. Nominated from the floor were Suzy Hess, USA, Sharon Gibbons, AUS, and Marina Hoernecke-Gil, ESP. Hoernecke-Gil succeeded, bringing to Council long experience in European affairs.

Honorary pins, for their contributions to masters athletics, were awarded to David Paine, USA, Fernando Ferreira, POR, Vadim Marshev, RUS, Wilhelm Köster, GER, Enno Akkel, EST, Keith Whitaker, GBR, Barbara Dunsnford, GBR, Ian Anderson, NFI, Colleena Blair, NZL, Jim and Helen Tobin, NZL, Fred O’Connor, AUS, Prince Haryomataram, INA, Joseph Yan Kok Peng, SIN, Abdul Razak Bongsu, BRU and Takuro Miura, JPN.

The Constitution was altered in respect of the composition of Stadia, Non-Stadia and the Medical and Doping committees; the Women’s Assembly was replaced by a standing Women’s Committee, this having been approved by the Women’s Assembly and given almost unanimous support by the General Assembly. Greater cooperation with the ‘ultra’ running community was envisaged and it was agreed that WAVA would sanction a 100K event in odd-numbered years. A strongly worded Council motion recommended formal endorsement and acceptance of IAAF anti-doping procedures, the establishment of an arbitration panel, and discussion with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This motion was heartily endorsed by the Assembly, there being only one dissenting vote. The 2001 Brisbane Assembly reversed a Gateshead decision. By a vote of 93 to 16, the name World Masters Athletics was accepted.

The Rules of Competition were altered to allow better preparation of bids. The words “Men and Women must compete in separate sections” were deleted, to be replaced by wording allowing mixed competition and acceptance of records set in such events. The Cross-country distance was set at 8k. A new rule was introduced, mandating the wearing of approved singlets or vests. While this seemed to run counter to our original philosophy of competition as individuals, rather than countries, discretion was left to the national body.

Due to the time taken in accomplishing all the foregoing, the Assembly reached the stage of hearing bids very late in the day. It was generally felt that this was a discourtesy to bidding teams who had worked so hard and traveled so far to present their bids. Council resolved that this would not happen again.

Auckland NZL was confirmed as the site for the 2004 Non-Stadia championships. Helsinki, FIN, Sacramento, USA, and San Sebastian, ESP, all made excellent presentations in bidding for the 2005 Stadia Championships, San Sebastian emerging the winner by a clear majority.

So – on to the future, and to Puerto Rico.



Riccione, ITA, May 24-26, 2002 (Road Racing)

In May 2002, Riccione ITA hosted a highly successful non-stadia event, given very little preparation time. Lamberto Vacchi, the technical director, and Brian Keaveney of our Non-Stadia Committee gave excellent support to V.P. Ron Bell. The 10k road race had 800 finishers and the half marathon over 1300, starting in a beautiful square beside the beach on the Adriatic Sea. There were 130 finishers in the 10k men’s and women’s race walks. The 20 and 30K race walks were also well attended. Since 1975, team competition has been a feature of our stadia cross-country event, and now for the first time was added to the non-stadia programme. Over 50 teams attended. Italy, Germany, and Great Britain were the top medallists. The brutal attack on New York City of September 11th, 2001, reduced US attendance to zero, sadly, but all those athletes who did attend were treated to tough, well-organized competition, bringing out the best in personal challenges. Wonderful Italian cuisine and nightlife will not be forgotten. Well done, Riccione!



Carolina, PUR, July 1 -13, 2003 (Stadia)

This 15th World Championship marked the passage of yet another eventful two years in our long journey. Our Puerto Rican friends were working hard to prepare for 2003. An inspection visit had been arranged soon after the emergency decision to switch from Kuala Lumpur to Carolina had been taken. During that visit, Council members were satisfied that a strong team was being assembled. As time went on, we were particularly impressed by the medical planning of Dr. Dwight Santiago, who was determined to set new standards, and did so. Also, it was a relief to learn that V.P. Rex Harvey’s recommendations on computer services were being adopted.

When the meet opened, on a wet but happy and colourful evening, entry had been influenced in part by the “fear of flying” and by the lethal “SARS” scare, so was lower than hoped for at around 2700. After the US at 442, Germany brought the biggest visiting team at 275, followed by Britain at 182. In the days which followed, all went as planned, including release of results to the internet immediately on conclusion of each event. Competition, as always at this top athletic spectacle of ours, was of the highest standard. 26 World Records were set. Puerto Ricans enjoyed the opportunity and garnered 55 medals. As an athletics competition it was a huge success.

Perhaps the most vivid memories, unexpectedly, were provided by intrepid motorcycle police who would excort every bus convoy, or even an individual bus with one passenger, and usher us in and out of traffic at high speed. Overall, however, our recollection will always be of warm hospitality and considerable efficiency. Our thanks go to the City of Carolina and the LOC President William Aleman. Well done!

The Carolina General Assembly was noteworthy. Not all delegates were allowed to vote, consequent on an appeal to that clause in our Constitution requiring submission of names 30 days in advance. That hurdle passed, motions were heard. Amongst them a proposal to allow Council to decide Championship locations was defeated, as was a proposal to eliminate term limits for Council members; the Discipline committee and the Law and Legislation committee were amalgamated; posting of condensed Council minutes and quarterly financial statements on the web site was called for and agreed; and a suggestion that the General Assembly should set sanction fees was rejected. A strongly worded motion calling on Council to address the IMGA issue as a matter of urgency, was passed without a dissenting vote. On a more positive note, it was enthusiastically agreed, by a vote of 59 to 2, to reduce the starting age for men to 35, thus removing the long-standing disparity between men and women and reaching out to men already enjoying “non-championship” competition in a great many countries.

The Assembly voted to hold the Inaugural 2004 Indoor Championships in Sindelfingen GER, and to bring ahead the decision point for future Indoor Championships by awarding the 2006 event at a Special Assembly in Sindelfingen.

Riccione, ITA, was confirmed as the site for our 17th Championships in 2007. Manukau/Auckland, NZL, confirmed their readiness to host the 2004 Non-Stadia Championships, which would be the first to adopt the full schedule of events voted on in Brisbane in 2001. It was reported that our first Ultra event would indeed take place in Taipei in November 2003. With four series of events now in place, WMA could look ahead with enormous excitement.

Also during 2002, the subject of International Masters Games came to the fore in Council discussions. The IMGA’s choice of 2005 for their next event had put them into direct conflict with our own biennial series of thirty years standing. When Edmonton, CAN, was announced as the location, without our Canadian affiliate or WMA having been consulted, and on dates which overlapped our own dates for San Sebastian, it was realized that this was an unacceptable action. A compromise solution was reached. However it was clear that such a clash could not be repeated in 2009. Our right to sanction, or refuse to sanction, any international masters athletics competition, a right fully supported by the IAAF, was being ignored with potentially damaging consequences.



Sindelfingen, GER, March 10-14, 2004 (Indoor)
By Friedel Schunk with Wilhelm Köster

The Glass-Palace at Sindelfingen, a suburb of Germany’s southern metropolis Stuttgart (the city of Daimler-Benz), was home to the I. Indoor World Masters Athletics Championships. This beautiful arena of steel and glass, first opened more than 25 years ago, looks as modern as ever. Designed for multi-functional use, it provided a magnificent atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. Floschenstadium and Molly-Schauffele-Hall nearby provided additional venues for winter throwing and the broad jumping competitions. The race walking and cross country courses were located nearby as well.

The inaugural indoor championships were a new experiment for WMA. Encouragement came from the European region that had already organized three successful championships. The decision to introduce world indoor championships had been taken on short notice during the Stadia world championships in Carolina PUR in 2003. The award to Sindelfingen over bidder New York had been masterminded by Dieter Massin. Organised at relative short notice (7 months) the local organisers had the benefit of experiences with past major athletic events at the arena, and they used that experience to great advantage. The LOC assembled a team of over 650 assistants, and the invaluable experience on the part of the German Athletics Federation (DLV), with chief guidance from Wilhelm Koester, provided needed muscle to pull this feat of. With 2637 registered (starting 2405) athletes participating from 56 countries (actual starters from 54), of which the host country accounted for 45%, the expectations were more than exceeded. Mastering the time schedule became a great challenge. And additional venues needed to be added on short notice to handle the overflow. Seating areas fully surrounded the sports floor of the Palace and were always crowded by athletes and spectators, lending a tremendous impulse to the performing athletes. A number of international dignitaries used the occasion to witness the high performance standards in senior athletics, among them IAAF President Lamine Diack, as were Istvan Gyulai, IAAF General Secretary and Hansjörg Wirz, EAA President.

The list of competitions offered in the main hall included the running events 60m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m 3000m, 60m Hurdles, 3000m track race walking, 4x200m relays, high jumping, long jumping, pole vaulting, triple jumping, and shot put. In addition there was the combined event of men and women pentathlon. The stadia events included weight throwing and a special winter throwing series of discus, hammer, and javelin. The cross run was the customary 8km on a hilly course, and a 10km road race walking event completed the program. DLV Vice President Dieter Massin was instrumental in enlarging the indoor event by some open air races. Another official first for international masters events was the admission of the M35 age group. Crowding all that competition into 5 competition days became a real juggle, for the organisers and athletes alike.

A number of outstanding performances were registered. Most notably were the sprint and hurdle performances by Guido Müller, GER, M65, who won four individual gold medals and a fifth one in the relay. Guido was later in the year awarded Best Male Master Athlete of the Year honours, with the companion female honours going to Jeanette Flynn, W50, AUS, a middle distance runner.

WMA council used the occasion to hold council meetings, and an extra-ordinary General Assembly had also been called, where the bid award for the next indoor championships was decided in favour of the Bidding Committee of the City of Linz in Austria. Also, the age eligibility for men over 35 (previously 40) was promoted.

Road Racing -
Manukau/Auckland, NZL, April 18-24, 2004 and Rotorua Marathon May 1, 2004
Text by Brian Oxley, Statistics contributed by Friedel Schunk (from results postings)

The 7th WMA Non-Stadia Championships were held in New Zealand. Despite enormous effort on the part of a very enthusiastic New Zealnd team, the 2004 championships failed to attract sufficient competitors. Well-organised and enjoyed by all – Ron Bell reported “Outstanding racing in fantastic weather on superb courses”.

Entrants distribution into the various disciplines were as follows: 10k road race: F=58, M=163; half marathon: F=39, M=126; marathon: F=33, M=65; 10k road race walk: F=24, M=51; 50k road race walk: F=2, M=22; 20k road race walk: F=19; 30k road race walk: M=49; cross country relay: F=9 teams=27 runners, M=15 teams=57 runners, or a sum total of 735 entries, not all of whom started, while few may have entered several disciplines.

A total of 360 medals were distributed for the individual and team competitions, 168 or 47 % thereof went to the New Zealand team. Australia, Great Britain, and Germany followed in the far distance. A total of 22 countries participated in the medal standings.

But there was a damaging monetary deficit. As a direct result Vancouver CAN ceased, with WMA permission, their preparations for the scheduled 2006 event. This was a blow, as Vancouver, too, would have been a wonderful venue. These negative developments left the future of the separate non-stadia championships in doubt.

San Sebastian, ESP, Aug. 22 – Sep. 3, 2005 (Stadia)
First draft by Brian Oxley, completed by Friedel Schunk

The San Sebastian Outdoor Championships lived up to expectations. Europe arrived in strength to this Basque Region in Northern Spain. Language and history also attracted many from South and Central America. Attendance, at 6,030 athletes from 91 countries, surpassed Gateshead’s European record and represented the highest attendance in the last dozen years. “Donostia,” to use San Sebastian’s Basque name, lived up to its tourist reputation, providing a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable experience. The weather was predominantly southern European warm climate, sometimes very hot, but also interspersed with rain showers, particularly during the first days of the competitions.

More importantly, the meet was, on balance, well organised. The main venue was a most beautiful 40,000 seat soccer stadium with covered seating, offering all necessary venues for athletic competitions. Right adjacent to the main stadium was a second stadium with a smaller grand stand area, where many of the technical disciplines, track walking and preliminary running events were held. Also part of the facilities complex was an indoor hall that offered warm-up opportunities and that was also used for the colourful opening ceremonies. Road walking and long distance running events were held on city road courses, partially under excruciating weather conditions.

There were some problems. As someone remarked “we continually invent new ways to make the same mistakes,” but that’s part of master’s athletics too. There is no question that the local organising committee deserves our heartfelt thanks for rising to such a big challenge. We are, after all, the biggest athletics event in the world. The LOC and field teams consisted of a committed group of officials, referees and assistants, but it did not go unnoticed that they were particularly stubborn in some areas. Many technical shortcomings remained uncorrected, and the required co-operation left something to be desired in a number of areas. As a result, some of our own technical delegates had to work overtime in an attempt to correct the deficiencies.

Nevertheless, there was again a very high standard of athletic achievements and notable performances – too many to be detailed in this context. One of the most profound attractions in front of thousands of spectators was the M45 triple jump when former Olympian William Banks, USA, - known as the inventor of the rhythmic clapping at the start of his attempts which has long been popularised everywhere and by many world class athletes – battled it out with the German Wolfgang Knabe with the latter winning by a narrow margin. When the meet was over, we recommended two names to the IAAF for Gala recognition as Best Masters of the Year: Earl Fee, CAN, M75, a middle distance runner, and Rietje Dijkmann, NED, W65, a sprinter and jumper.

Our History is not just one of organising, doing and politicking. It is above all, or should be, about our continuing demonstration to the world that the human body, as it matures, is capable of so much more than was ever suspected. Our Records reflect that. As time progresses we are finding that most of the new records are in the older age groups although startling records are always set in all age groups. In order to keep pace, and to draw attention to our WMA website as the place to visit for current information, Council agreed in their March 2004 meeting to set new goals. On the WMA records site, after re-organising, news of new marks was posted when received, athlete profiles were published and new records were listed as soon as validated.

Finally, the San Sebastian Assembly must be described. As has become our practise, deciding on our next Championships was the first order of business. Excellent and attractive proposals were made by Clermont-Ferrand FRA for the 3rd World Indoor Championships in 2008 and by Arhus DEN and Lahti FIN for the 2009 Stadia championships. Clermont-Ferrand, being the sole bidder, succeeded, thereby awarding third indoor championships in succession to Europe, but a welcome first in France. Lahti FIN was awarded to 2009 Stadia championships.

With five key members of the previous Council obliged to retire, this was to be an important election. Former president Cesare Becalli re-entered the scene as a Presidential candidate, surviving a protest based on limits to terms of office and winning over Stan Perkins AUS by a close vote of 66 to 55. Tom Jordan’s replacement as Exec.V.P. became Monty Hacker RSA, who won handily over Vadim Marshev RUS, Winston Thomas GBR and Ron Bell GBR. The Secretarial election was controversial. President Torsten Carlius, resigning prior to the Assembly to avoid the requirement that he become past-president, the Assembly being chaired by Tom Jordan, survived a protest and defeated Brian Oxley CAN by a vote of 68 to 47. Rex Harvey USA was awarded a second term, over Jean-Pierre Clamaran-Danzelle FRA. The position of V.P. Non-stadia was filled without a vote by Brian Keaveney CAN, it being announced that the opposing candidate was not a member of any affiliate, despite having been sponsored by Sweden. Friedel Schunk GER was elected treasurer, replacing Peppo Galfetti whose term had expired. In the appointed council positions, Cesar Moreno Bravo MEX continued to be the IAAF Representative. The Regional Delegates continued to be Hannes Booysen RSA for Africa, Hari Chandra SIN for Asia, Dieter Massin GER for Europe, Jose Figueras URU for South America, and Stan Perkins AUS for Oceania. Prior to the Assembly, Sandy Pashkin USA became the new delegate for North & Central America & The Caribbean, replacing Brian Keaveney. – Thus, a new Council took office, charged with responsibilities for executing our policy decisions.

Decisions were then taken on agenda motions. The Constitution was amended in respect of delegate accreditation, nomination of candidates, dual citizenship and terms of office. There were no changes to the Bye-Laws. As often the case, the rules of competition were debated at length. A motion to abolish the Non-Stadia Championships failed although it was decided to discontinue stand-alone Non-Stadia Championshipsfor the time being, instead allocating the events selectively to Stadia and Indoor Championships. However, the Assembly voted to retain the enabling clauses in our Constitution, leaving the way opfen for a willing bidder to appear at a future date. Also resoundingly defeated was a motion to change competition age from date of birth to year of birth, as was a motion to award more power to Council in respect of awarding Championships. Mountain running was agreed to be a component of our athletics programme. Championship walking opportunities were increased to 5k track, 10k and 20k road. The M80 shot was reduced to 3k.

Pete Mundle USA was formally thanked and recognized as having worked enormously hard as our records guru since our inception.



Linz, AUT, March 15-20, 2006 (Indoor)
Indoor History continued by Friedel Schunk

A few months prior to the commencement of these championships the WMA community had to mourn the loss of its past great leader, Torsten Carlius SWE, who, at age 66, had just assumed the position of Secretary a few months prior at the San Sebastian championships in August 2005, after having completed his two terms of presidency. Successful stadia and non-stadia championships had taken place under his leadership, the inaugural indoor championships had been successfully concluded, relations with IAAF were further developed, including a Best Masters of the Year honouring at the IAAF Gala, and new directions were presented under his leadership to safeguard the future of non-stadia events and to incorporate non-traditional distance and mountain running events into WMA’s program. Not the happiest of beginnings for new President Cesare Beccalli. ITA

The II. World Masters Athletics Championships Indoor were held in Linz, Austria. Ignoring a few traces, winter had largely disappeared by arrival time. Over 3,300 athletes, representing 62 countries, had followed the call for this second go-around in world masters indoor championships, an unexpected 28% increase over the first event two years prior in nearby Germany.

The new indoor hall was spectator oriented with grand stands along both straight aways and walk around floors all around the arena. It had been tested once for a high-level, but much smaller athletic event, presenting the LOC with some new challenges in terms of multi-day and large number of athletes conditions. With Percy Hirsch, the LOC had a modern, versatile Manager committed to the event, and with Wilhelm Köster from Germany, a very experienced and well respected organiser and technical expert, a grey eminence was charged with detail co-ordination. Brian Keaveney managed the road events (half-marathon, cross country, road race walking).

The large number of competitors necessitated to augment the hall with an adjacent heated tent, to facilitate additional long-jump and putting events, as well as providing warm-up facilities. The beautiful outdoor stadium, right next to the hall, accommodated some of the winter throwing events, as did another additional field. Those open air competitions experienced though, that the winter was not totally over, as equipment needed to be brought in to remove mother nature’s additional snow samples. The cross country route required similar attention.

The 6-lane indoor track could hydraulicly raised and lowered in the curves which particularly accommodated some of the older athletes for whom managing the tight and high bends were a specific challenge. There were many outstanding performances, with one probably standing apart from some of the others. Bill Collins, M55, a world-class sprinter from the USA, was hampered by a leg injury and could not get into the starting blocks. Still, with standing starts, he beat all of his competitors in all of the preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals of the 100m, 200m, and 400m races. On the less pleasant side, some technical events were tagged with anti-doping violations, requiring retro-active corrections to the results lists.

The event was well received and most athletes returned home richer by another worth-while experience from this hospitable country.


Riccione, ITA, Sep 4 – 15, 2007 (Stadia)
History continued by Friedel Schunk (with some passages contributed by Brian Oxley f. Riccione)

The XVII. Stadia Championships were flooded by almost 9000 athletes from 97 countries. This was the second highest attendance level ever, and far more than had been expected and was experienced in recent history. This fact put an enormous amount of unanticipated stress on all officials, not only those of the LOC but also on the technical delegates of our own association. It demonstrated that the limits of our organisational resources had been surpassed and that perhaps new ways need to be introduced to guaranty quality championships for the future.

The LOC’s Lamberto Vacchi as Managing Director and Luca Verrascina as Technical Director had worked hard for many years to co-ordinate all requirements for the competitions and the infrastructure. Three magnificent stadiums were available that had been partially refurbished, offering excellent running tracks and in-field throwing and jumping areas while some of the adjacent throwing venues unfortunately showed some shortcomings.

The distribution of the event over three stadiums in different communities (Riccione, Misano Adriatico and San Giovanni in Marignano) made some sense in terms of political regional considerations, but these decisions proved not to be totally advantageous to some of the athletes in terms of flexibility for their competition schedules as well as regarding transportation logistics, as the locations were about 8 and 15 km apart which also limited spectator mobility.

The Championships had been scheduled to follow the high season for these crowded beach locations, when still southern European summer climate was anticipated. But the weather god started with a bang, hammering the area with hurricane force storms for the first two days of competition, bringing the schedules for cross country running and combined events into total disarray. Some of the non-stationary field structures had been totally blown away. Re-scheduling became a major task for the organisers and were an additional burden on the athletes. As conditions normalised the Championships had their usual large amount of outstanding performances and new records. Perhaps, representative for an unsurpassed mark of excellence were the ten gold medals by Phil Raschker, F60, USA, in combined, single and relay events. Phil later was also voted the Female World Masters Athlete of the year 2007, to be honoured at the IAAF Gala in Monaco, an institution normally reserved for the world best open class athletes. The best Male World Masters Athlete for the year 2007 was Andrew Jamieson, AUS, M60, a race walker.

Council meetings that preceded the start of the athletic event, dealt with an unusually large amount of proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bye-laws, and Rules of Competition. Some of the proposals triggered controversies. Those carried over into the General Assembly as well. The General Assembly will probably be remembered by those in attendance as one of the most turbulent ever. As is not unusual, the registration process was not optimally handled, as many affiliates did not abide by the rules for pre-registration. The ensuing delays extended over into subsequent agenda items. This not being an election year, the most important agenda items were the bid reviews for the 2011 Stadia championships. Porto Alegre, BRA, had prepared a dedicated and emotional bid and entered their presentation with high hopes for the award. The other bidder, Sacramento, California, USA, which had gone this route before, included in their package well tested facilities, an established LOC, a convincing transportation infrastructure, very suitable accommodations, and the preferred northern hemisphere timing schedule, and was rewarded with a two-third majority by the electorate. The time did not seem to be right yet, to visit South America for the first time in world masters history.

The General Assembly also faced an issue relating to co-habitation of events with IMGA. The discussions got a bit carried away, resulting in a vote that almost unanimously rejected contemplating a folding of our world championships event into the festival like games of IMGA. The message was clear that WMA has to step up its own efforts to identify potential future championships sites without compromising championships performance standards. At the same time, IMGA has to realize that an authority is vested in WMA as the sole sanctioning body for international masters athletics events which has to be fully recognized by them in their bidding and organisational procedures if potential future conflicts in a variety of areas are to be avoided.

In other business, a new WMA logo was introduced and accepted that had been initiated by President Beccalli and was designed by the consulting firm of former Italian sprint great Andrea Colombo. Other discussions at the Assembly floor regarding the proposed amendments provoked further rounds of frosty and exaggerated arguments, and with less than 20% of the agenda items completed, a motion was proposed and carried to prematurely end this General Assembly. An unusually rocky day had come to an end.

In contrast to that experience, those witnessing the opening ceremonies by the concert shell at Riccione’s beach front plaza, saw an extra-ordinary amount of modern acrobatic dance and musical performances by regional artists, that reflected all the excitement this southern European nation could muster in intensity and volume to welcome its guests to the action for the next two weeks.

Clermont-Ferrand FRA, March 17 – 22, 2008 (Indoor)

Similar to the prior indoor championships in Linz in 2004, WMA faced the loss of a current leader. Cesare Beccalli, who had re-assumed the Presidency in 2005 in San Sebastian, died unexpectedly during the Christmas holidays in 2007 while staying at his second residence in Porto Alegre, BRA for the (European) winter months. WMA had lost another great leader who had many accomplishments to his credit, assembled over many years since the beginning of the world-wide organized masters movement. For details, please refer to the necrology in his honour elsewhere on this website. Monty Hacker, the present Executive Vice President stepped in to assume the additional duties of Acting President while the work in preparation for the championships entered its usual hectic stage.

Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne Region of southern central France was the host to our third indoor championships. A new, but well tested modern indoor venue (Stadium JEAN-PELLEZ, in the Aubière section of Clermont-Ferrand) provided well-founded expectations for another great indoor event. As we have experienced in other prior events when popularity had increased beyond expectations, a lot of last minute shoveling needed to be accomplished to manage organizational details, to furnish auxiliary facilities and accommodate our winter throwing events that have become well established additions to the indoor program. The allocated non-stadia events, including cross country running, road race walking and the half-marathon could be facilitated at and near a former military base. Again, the weather was only partly kind to us, causing major problems for some of the outdoor activities.

The 3rd WMA World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships saw a record amount of registrants, surpassing the prior championship by another increase of more than 10%, similar to what the prior championship recorded over the initial indoor event. 3,670 was the final count, coming from 65 countries, with over 6800 competition entries. Europe had the largest contingent with over 92% of all entrants, and France set a new record with almost one third of all athletes coming from the host country. Amazingly, Germany, normally quite well represented in world championships, had a team with less than 50% of the size sent to Linz two years ago – and in both cases the hosts were neighboring countries. Yet, in the final medal count, it again was in first place by a comfortable margin, followed by France, Great Britain, and USA. Medals were won by athletes from 49 countries, a marvelous sign of the broad distribution of athletic competence. Many excellent performances were again achieved, and many new world records were established. Representatively mentioned are here once more the stellar performances by Bill Collins, USA, M55, who repeated his impressive prowess in the sprint events, winning golds in 60m, 200m and 400m, while Wolfgang Ritte, GER, new in M55 and a long standing top performer at his event, could establish a new world record with 4,31m in pole vaulting, achieved with his first attempt at that height. Enrico Saraceni ITA the well-liked star in sprint distances, set a new M40 400m indoor world record, also winning the 200m, while another super talent from the USA, Val Barnwell, M50, took firsts in 60m and 200m with super performances.

The LOC, led by the tireless efforts of Annie Laurent, tried very hard to be accommodating to each and every need. But not all shortcomings could be overcome that had sneaked up on the organizers. At times, language for the Non-French speaking contingent of athletes and managers was a problem, when field referees or area responsibles needed to be addressed. While WMA technical delegates always try very hard to anticipate every conceivable problem and solve it before it becomes overbearing, the success rate is often less then 100% and does not go unnoticed by athletes and team managers. Clermont-Ferrand was not different. This is an area WMA needs to pay even more attention to in the future, even though everyone knows that each championship bears it own set of problems. Organizationally, all of the venues could easily be reached by a very modern tramway system that transported athletes very efficiently at short intervals to their destinations, being it the competition arenas or their hotels.

The opening ceremony was an extended display of well choreographed personified fireworks alluding to the volcanic activities that took place in the region in times past. In contrast the closing ceremony was a rather humble affair with everyone seemingly being totally exhausted from dealing with the challenges not only of the event itself, but also the preparation stages.

In two years hence, Kamloops, way out in Western Canada, in the province of British Columbia, will be our host for the 4th extension of our indoor championships. It should be exciting to see how the event will fare in that part of the world, for the first time away from Europe. Kamloops is a sports dedicated community that can bring a whole new dimension of interesting experiences to its visitors, and WMA is convinced that Kamloops has the making of another successful event, judging by the enthusiasm the local organizers were able to radiate by way of their bid. Mercy beaucoup, Clermont-Ferrand. Howdy, Kamloops, here we come.