What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
Winning WMA Best Athlete would be an honor and validation of everything I’ve dedicated my life to—resilience, perseverance, and excellence in sports. The award symbolizes the triumph of passion over obstacles and sends a message that age is never a barrier to achieving greatness.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
This year has been extraordinary, with the most unforgettable moment being breaking the high jump record during the heptathlon at the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Setting multiple world records was an unbelievable accomplishment that highlighted the power of hard work and determination.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
Dealing with on-and-off injuries while managing the stress of my home renovation tested my mental and physical limits. I relied on my strong mindset and focus on my goals to push through these challenges. Taking it day by day, I trusted my routine.
Tell us about your training and preparation.
As a solo athlete without a coach, I’ve learned to understand my body and its limits. I follow a diverse training routine that includes hurdles, jumps, sprints, and more—based on techniques I used during my early days in Lithuania. Also, swimming and water aerobics has been a wonderful addition for recovery and relaxation.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
Discipline is at the heart of everything I do. I make the process enjoyable by exercising outdoors, maintaining a healthy diet, and focusing on the positive impact it has on both my body and mind.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
Rest is critical for peak performance, and I never overlook it. It allows me to recover, stay energized, and approach the next training session ready. My recovery routine includes heated compression socks, massage therapy, stretching, and water aerobics. Each of these helps me recharge, prevent burnout, and reduce the risk of injuries.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
While I train solo, the support within the athletic community is essential. Competing alongside others creates a mutual drive to push each other to be our best. The encouragement, shared goals, and respect among athletes inspire me to work harder and celebrate not just my successes but also the accomplishments of others.
What are your goals for next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
My primary focus is staying injury-free to give my best performance at the Indoor World Championships in Gainesville, Florida. I’m particularly excited to compete in the triple jump. Additionally, I am seeking a sponsorship that aligns with my values and supports my journey as a masters athlete.
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
I plan to address my imbalances and common mistakes with extra attention to technique and form. This involves dedicating more time, focus, and structured recovery sessions to my training to ensure continual growth. I also take joy in inspiring and motivating others—not just athletes—to embrace exercise. Whether they are on the competitive track or simply looking to improve their health, I strive to share the joy and benefits that an active lifestyle can bring.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
I have a passion for ballroom and salsa dancing, which bring me joy and keep me active in a fun way. I also enjoy hiking and spending time in nature, as it helps me stay grounded and connected. Foraging for mushrooms is another adventure I love, always providing exciting stories and keeping me closer to the outdoors. Additionally, I’m passionate about simple yet nutritious cooking, which offers many health benefits. To continue improving my overall well-being, I research health, exercise, and nutrition to stay informed and continually learn.
The winning of WMA best Athlete would be the best appreciation I can imagine for the affords.
Highlights oft he competitions in this year were the world-Records indoor and outdoor in the combined disciplines, the World-Master-Tittles in the other events and the German records.
The biggest challenge this year was, to manage the conditions and affords of training in view of my age. Not to much, not to less.
I work without coaches and without mental training. I try, to find the balance between training and recovery and ask my body.
To training with a team is also important and I love to run in the relays. Unfortunately I live in a small village and so I have to training the most time alone.
In the next years I intend to concentrate my affords tot he discipline I love best, not longer in the combined disciplines
Outside of masters athletics I’m also responsible with my wife and my son for 70 employees in our enterprise.
Outside of masters athletics I’m busy in my garden and not to forget – I’m married with a younger nice wife, who needs my affords in another more pleasant way.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
I always strive to be the best role model I can be, both as an athlete and coach. If I won this award I hope it will inspire others to continue to achieve the best that they can in track and field athletics and cross country regardless of age or ability. It would personally be one of the single greatest awards in my lifetime of running and it would be even further inspiration to continue my own running career for many more years to come.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
Setting goals for myself on the track and road – and achieving them in 2024.
I set myself a goal of aiming to break the 10km track world record for M60 and achieved this by 7 seconds in July 2024. (33:32.09 mins).
I set myself a goal of winning 4 gold medals in 4 events at the World Masters Athletics Championships, Gothenburg (Aug 2024) – and almost achieved this (achieving 2 gold medals , and 2 silver medals – in all individual events). (Cross Country, Half marathon, 10 km and 5 km respectively).
I set myself a goal of winning 4 gold medals at the Australian Masters Athletics Nationals Championship (Hobart, Australia) (April 2024) and achieved this (4 gold medals) – in all individual events. (Cross Country, 10 km, 5km and 1500m).
Racing quality athletes at the highest level at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg.
Making new friends in the athletics community at the Nationals and the World Championships.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was to continue training and to stay injury free and changing my training methods if needed, particularly as I get older. I had minor back surgery in December 2023 and had a recovery period which I managed well and was able to successfully continue with my training.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
I follow a high kilometer volume method of training as I am a long distance runner and competitor – ranging in events from 1500m right up to Marathons on both track and road. I train daily with many, many kilometers of slow and medium paced effort, interspersed with track sessions ranging from 200m & 400m reps up to 1km and 5 km track/training reps.
I am a life member of Box Hill Athletics Club, Victoria, Australia, and have been training daily and competing in Summer and Winter athletics competition since I was about 13 years old – so now being 61 years old I believe I have honed my mental preparation and mental strength for high-level competition from the years and years of racing and participation in track and field, and cross country competition at State, national and international level. I can confidently calm my nerves pre-race and I approach each race with a positive attitude, knowing I have personally done the preparation and knowing my race plan.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
My recovery regime usually includes 30 – 45 minutes stretching daily, swimming and water recovery, and an afternoon nap is a bonus. I include regenerative activities such as massage and chiropractic therapy at least fortnightly during competition season. I have a well balanced diet and ensure I get a lot of sleep. Running remains the highest personal priority for me and my family’s lifestyle and travel revolves around this sport.
Have you worked with any coaches or mentors this year that made a significant impact on your performance?
I am a coach myself and usually design and undertake my own training programs. I seek occasional advice from my mentor Dr Keith Livingstone for occasional support.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
Whilst I enjoy training solo, particularly to achieve the kilometers I need to complete on a weekly basis, as a coach I prefer all my athletes train, travel and compete as a group. A group setting helps to foster team work and comradery, and is a great motivational setting. I always train with my athletes during their sessions and this provides them with a consistent role model and a sense of support.
What are your goals for next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
My goals for next year are:
World Masters Athletics Championships Indoors (Florida) – I am competing in the 8km cross country, 3km, 10km road race. (March 2025)
National Championships Adelaide, Australia competing in 5km, 10km, 8 km cross country and 1500m. (April 2025)
Marathon – Sydney, Australia (September 2025)
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
Keep on training hard.
Manage my lifestyle and my teaching work around training and travelling for running events as much as we can.
I want to continue to be the best athlete and the best role model I can be.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
I enjoy coaching, travelling and spending time with my family. My other interests are building and farming on our property.
What else would you like people to know about you?
I have been a secondary school teacher for more than 30 years teaching Building, Technology and Woodwork subjects, combined with being the Head Coach of Cross Country and the Head Coach of Athletics responsibilities at one school. Through this school I have made some life long friendships especially with the students who participated in the school cross country and athletics programs. I have coached many junior athletes at school and through my athletics club from the beginning of their running careers right through school, State, National and up to international level competitions. This has also extended into masters level competitions for some of my former students. I have helped guide athletes to strive to achieve their best in cross country and athletics, and I have encouraged and helped athletes from Victoria, Australia apply for and obtain College athletics scholarships in the United States.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
This is not only a personal pleasure for me, but also a motivation for my teammates and acquaintances. I’m happy to receive encouragement and encouragement from fellow runners from Kagoshima, Kyushu, and all over the country.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
At the Kyushu Masters Athletics Championships in August and the Japan Masters Athletics Championships in September, I paid attention to my uniform and hat to protect myself from the heat. At the Japan Masters Athletics Championships, I was able to focus on aiming for the world record.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
I have overcome challenges by training continuously to achieve my world record.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
I believe that mental preparation is more important than physical training, so I try not to disrupt my daily routine.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
Avoid drinking alcohol for one week before the competition. Relax in hot springs and get plenty of sleep.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
I wouldn’t be able to participate in the tournament without the support of my family and friends. I’m grateful for the support of so many people.
What are your goals for next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
I want to run again next year with the goal of breaking the world record. If I’m going to run, I’m going to aim for the world record.
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
Rather than trying to improve, I run 2km every day to maintain my current state, without pushing myself too hard, and run in a way that is appropriate for my age.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
Doing work (farming).
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
It would mean a lot. It would be a nice reward for a challenging, but at the same time fantastic year.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
To be in my best shape at the WMA and compete in my hometown for my fans, family and friends was amazing.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it? I had problems with a knee. I was able to overcome it with the help of good physio and patience.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
I don’t always manage to do it unfortunately, but experience and listening to the body helps.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
In running, it is not as simple as the one who trains the most becomes the best. Hard training needs good recovery. I try to remind myself of that because it’s easy to forget, especially when things are going well.
Have you worked with any coaches or mentors this year that made a significant impact on your performance?
I have worked with my coach since 1995 and he has been important for my career and for me as a person. It has been a beautiful journey with a lot of ups and downs and a lot of learnings.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
Although running is an individual sport, it is important to have a good team. Without my trainer, my physio, my training buddies and my family, my career would not be as successful or fun.
What are your goals for next year?
Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on? My goals for next year are to run fast and hopefully beat some world records in my age group.
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
Keeping my self motivated. Keep enjoying this.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
Food, music, family and friends.
One thing to say about the 2024 season is that I am extremely lucky. I am lucky that I was able to train at a high level without getting injured. I had not competed seriously for almost 20 years due to a chronic issue with my Achilles tendon. The most challenging aspect of my training was to rely more on strength and cross training for training volume, along with high quality running sessions and targeted racing opportunities. I suspect that lower running volume and more focus on cross training and strength is an absolute must for most Masters Athletes. As someone with a demanding job that requires travel, it’s not always obvious how to fit it all in. Adaptability is key. Once while traveling for work in Germany in January 2024, with over 12cm of snow on the ground outside I had a workout that consisted of walking up and down 6 flights of our hotel stairs for 45 minutes while my colleagues at dinner on the ground floor. “Why?!?”, they asked.
I did not have a coach, but I was not without external support from experts, friends, and fellow athletes. I read a few books on middle distance training. I highly recommend Peter Coe’s “Winning Running” and Peter Hoffmann’s “A Practical Philosophy of 800 Meters Running”. A key takeaway from those is to practice running fast…as fast as you can.
Next, I must give thanks for the presence of Mark Williams in our sport. His openness, positive attitude, dedication, talent, and friendship was invaluable to me as I waded cautiously back into competitive running. We chased each other around indoor and outdoor tracks in the US all season, and together in Sweden for the World Championships. In head to head competition in the 400, 800, and 1500, I was fortunate to win 4 races, and he won 2. If Mark Williams or Brian Tullis were in a race together in 2024, no one else won. He told me in March 2024 that his goal was to set the world record in the 800m, and thought I should go for it too. I’d say, mission accomplished!
I enjoyed the support my friends and family. My wife and kids traveled with me to several meets, always encouraging me to keep going. I am also a part of an international men’s movement called F3, which stands for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. In F3, we work out together, hang out together, and serve our communities. My F3 workouts were instrumental in building my general strength and fitness. Also, my F3 brothers in Indiana watched my World Championship online and provided lots of encouragement and support all year.
I’m resting during the 2025 indoor season. The Achilles problem that I mentioned flared up at the end of the season. I’m hoping to recover sufficiently to participate in the US Outdoor season, where I’d like to compete in the 400 and 800m. I don’t have any specific time goals.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
Aside from competing in the Olympics, this would be the greatest achievement of my life.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
This year, my most notable highlights are managing to run under 55 in the 400mh seconds twice as well as set two world records.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge of the year was being able to maintain a work-life balance in order to prioritize time spent with my family. I was able to overcome it by being intentional in regards to planning my days, starting with January 1st.
Tell us about your training and preparation.
My training regime consists of running 3 days a week and lifting 2 days a week. I spend 3 months focusing on running and then 3 months focusing on hurdles. I also have a very strict diet.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
I am blessed to be able to say physical training is something that comes naturally to me. My mental preparation is something that’s really centered in my faith. I know that with God I can do anything and my spiritual strength steadies my mind.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
I like to utilize a variety of methods—the most notable being time spent in the pool, stretching, yoga, and meditation classes.
Have you worked with any coaches or mentors this year that made a significant impact on your performance?
In my circle, I have many friends and coaches that regularly compete and have won medals at the highest level. I truly believe in the value of cooperation and sportsmanship and they believe the same so we like to share insights and help each other develop our training workouts.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
One of my favorite experiences of the season was being able to run some relay races with my club team. Doing so, not only helped me stay focused on my goals but also gave me more confidence.
What are your goals for next year?
My goals are to break 51 second in the 400m and to lower my 400MH under 54.
Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
I plan to run a few more 800m in the early season in order to improve my strength for 400mh and the 400m
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
Each year I set different goals and try to achieve them. Intentionality is everything. If you have a destination in mind, you can reach it.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
I work with professional athletes as an athlete representative and am also a real estate manager.
What else would you like people to know about you?
I love athletics and I have competed at many different levels of track and field—from Junior to Masters. There are so many events that I will never forget: the World Junior World championships NCAA, the Goodwill Games, the Pan American Olympics Commonwealth, and the USATF Masters World Masters World Cup to name a few.
The crowning achievements of my career were athletically competing in the Sydney Olympics and attending the London 2012 Olympic as an assistant Coach for Cayman Island.
My goal is always to inspire, educate, and motivate.
Favorite quotes that help me along the way Proverbs 4 , “Don’t look to the left or the right but stay focused on the goal. Quit competing, quit comparing, and run your race.
Breaking barriers and records at 80+
At an age when most people are winding down, Anne Centner, a Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate resident, is speeding up – and breaking world records while she’s at it. This remarkable athlete recently stunned the world with her double gold medal victories at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden in August 2024.
Competing in the 80-85 age category, Anne won gold in both the 10km and 5km race walking events and shattered two world records. Her times? An incredible 71 minutes and 55 seconds for the 10km and 34 minutes and 34.5 seconds for the 5km. At 80 years old, Anne is proving that age is just a number.
A late start, but no limits
Anne started her athletics journey at 63 while living in the scenic town of Knysna, where estuaries and mountains inspired her. “I began running simply to enjoy it,” Anne recalls. Over the years, this led her to compete in everything from marathons to extreme endurance events like the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – a self-sufficient 250km run over seven days, which she completed at 67. Anne’s adventurous spirit has always driven her to push the boundaries, but she insists, “I’m competitive, but only with myself.”
After undergoing double knee replacement surgery, Anne transitioned from running to race walking – a sport that came naturally to her. Little did she know it would lead to world record-breaking performances.
The World Masters Athletics Championships
These biennial events showcase the talents of athletes aged 35 and older from across the globe. Competing against other top athletes in the 80-85 age group, Anne made headlines with her stunning victories in Sweden. These events highlight the competitive spirit of older athletes who continue to excel in their respective fields long after most would consider retiring.
Anne’s success in Gothenburg has brought her personal pride and widespread admiration from fans, peers, and family. While the latter initially thought her athletic pursuits were “mad,” they now fully support her endeavours and celebrate her achievements.
“I don’t have a coach; I just do what feels right”
What makes Anne’s accomplishments even more impressive is her approach to training. “I don’t have a coach. My training depends on how I feel when I wake up. Some days, it’s weights; other days, it’s a 10km walk,” she says.
Anne’s philosophy is to listen to her body and do what feels right without adhering to strict schedules. It’s an approach that works, as she continues to thrive in race walking.
Anne, a vegetarian for nearly four decades, credits her simple diet – raw vegetables, yoghurt, and dairy – for keeping her in top form. “I eat what makes me feel good,” she says, emphasizing that it’s not about strict rules but understanding what her body needs.
The spirit of adventure and resilience
Born on January 1, 1944, Anne’s early life shaped her rebellious yet determined nature. Raised in a traditional Victorian household, she longed for freedom and adventure. Instead of pursuing a conventional education, Anne chose what she calls the “University of the World.” For over 12 years, she travelled extensively, immersing herself in different cultures and learning valuable life lessons in tolerance and respect. This worldly education became the foundation for her open-minded, positive outlook – a perspective that has served her well in her athletic career.
Her motto? “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” This mindset has carried her through various challenges, from competing in extreme marathons to breaking world records in her 80s. Anne believes that life is about grabbing every opportunity and learning from mistakes. “If you take the wrong road, learn from it, return to the fork, and take the right road,” she advises.
Life at Waterfall Hills: More than just a home
Anne resides at Waterfall Hills, a mature lifestyle estate in Waterfall City that offers a vibrant and active community. Far from being a typical retirement village, Waterfall Hills is a haven for those who wish to stay active and engaged. From billiards to bowling, a gym, an indoor pool and a putting green, Anne has everything she needs to maintain her fitness and enjoy her life to the fullest.
Waterfall Hills also offers access to over 35km of hiking and biking trails, perfect for Anne’s daily walks. The estate’s clubhouse, with its on-site cinema and restaurant, provides plenty of social opportunities for residents. And with state-of-the-art medical care available, residents have peace of mind as they enjoy their retirement.
Following her trip, her fellow residents gave Anne a hero’s welcome with a champagne reception at the Manor House of Waterfall Hills. It was a wonderful morning where she was surrounded by friends celebrating her and her accomplishments.
Anne’s legacy: Inspiration for all ages
Anne’s incredible achievements at the World Masters Athletics Championships are personal victories and a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a positive mindset. Her story is one of adventure, resilience, and an unyielding spirit, showing that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
With plenty more on her bucket list, Anne has plans to keep going. “I still have so much more I want to do,” she says with a smile. Whether it’s on the race walking track or another wild adventure, there’s no doubt that Anne Centner will continue to inspire us all – no matter her age.
Her advice? Set your goals, tell yourself you can do it, and never stop exploring.
Article compiled by the Waterfall City Magazine editorial team and first appeared in the October 2024 edition of the Waterfall City Magazine.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
Winning this award would be the ice on the cake of a great season, to be nominated already feels rewarding and I’m feeling very flattered.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competition this year?
The highlights were to have been able to train regularly, with a lot of hope and ambition but without pressure and enjoying the path, every training session and all the competition.
Tell us about your training and preparation
I usually train five times per week. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I train more the technique of the field events alongside the track ones. Tuesdays and Thursdays are more strength work related, weights and plyometrics.
Have you worked with any coaches or mentors this years that made a significant impact IS teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
I’ve been working a long way alongside my husband, he’s my coach. We try to improve every day together, evaluate every situation, how I feel and then structure the work.
What are your goals for Next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’ re focused on?
My goals now are to keep doing track and field, like always trying to bring out my best version, which is not always the same, somedays are better than others. The specific target of this season is to take part in the European Master’s Championships in Madeira, Portugal.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
I enjoy watching films, reading books and traveling alongside my family and friends.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
I’d it see as being chosen as an ambassador for competitive masters athletics – a huge honor that I hope would inspire/encourage other older athletes.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
Running 17:50.72 to break the WMA W60-64 5000m world record in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March – having broken the 10,000m world record at the start of the track season four months earlier.
Winning the W60-64 category of the Abbott World Majors world marathon champs in Sydney, in September. I was stoked to run 2:57:26 on an undulating course.
In domestic competition, running the Wellington Half Marathon in June in 1:22:38. And in August, anchoring the Wanganui Harrier Club’s winning masters relay team at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships. It was down to the wire. I’m proud to be a member of our small club, and love the camaraderie of masters athletics.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
Since New Zealand is quite remote geographically, travel to high-level competitions – like the 2024 WMA Champs in Finland – is often out of my budget. I meet this challenge by setting priorities, and making the most of my opportunities. I’m thankful to have had so many, and for support from my club.
Like other masters athletes, I also find it challenging to avoid (or manage) injury. And to stay positive and determined when life throws curve-balls.
How do you balance physical training with mental preparation?
I train most days, whether I feel like it or not. Knowing I have “done the work” gives me mental strength and confidence. As does my faith in God – spiritual wellbeing is important for me. As well, I find variety in running to be mentally refreshing – I love to do track, cross country, road, and sometimes trail and mountain running.
How do you balance intense training with rest and recovery?
I trust in my coach’s schedule for balance between intense and easier training. I get regular massage, try to eat well, and try get enough sleep (not my strong suit!)
Have you worked with any coaches or mentors this year that made a significant impact on your performance?
Barry Magee (one of Arthur Lydiard’s boys, and the marathon bronze medalist in the 1960 Rome Olympics) has guided me for the past five years. He’s now aged 90, and lives 6 hours drive from me, so we mostly communicate by email.
How important is teamwork and support from your coaches and teammates in your individual success?
Most of my training needs to be solo, to fit my running schedule and fit around fulltime work. That makes it all the more important to me to have objective coaching guidance. And I value being part of a club, for a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
What are your goals for next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
Make the most of every opportunity I have! Have a crack at lowering some of my age group records.
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
Incorporate more strength work into my training – vitally important especially for older female athletes.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
Reading, creative writing, hiking, recreational swimming and skiing, and I’m an active church member.
What else would you like people to know about you?
I started competitive running at age 45. At high school, I threw sickies to avoid cross country runs.
Zhang Hong has a passion for sports and a wide range of interests. After retirement, she participated in activities organized by her former workplace for retired employees, such as photography competitions, book review sessions, and teaching calisthenics.
In her daily life, Zhang Hong remains committed to volleyball training, competing in both Beijing and Chinese tournaments, as well as officiating matches. Thanks to her consistent exercise routine, she has maintained excellent physical fitness. This foundation enabled her to quickly regain form when she resumed shot put training after many years. Between November 2023 and October 2024, she competed in the Asian, World and Chinese Master Athletics Championships, earning first place in the women’s shot put event for the 60+ age group at all three competitions.
What would winning WMA Best Athlete mean to you?
Winning the AOY 2024 prize would mean so much to me!! I feel it is an extraordinary honour to be nominated.
What were the highlights and key moments from your competitions this year?
The key moments were in June, when I had very good results in 100, 200 and 400 mts (14.54 sec, 29,91 sec, and 1.09.91 sec respectively), beating the world records in these events.
What was your biggest challenge this year, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest challenge this year was to overcome an iliotibial band tendonitis injury which appeared 2 months before the Gothenburg world championship, with a long physical therapy period, training with pain, and hold from competitions. This situation is mentally very difficult to handle
Tell us about your training and preparation.
I try to train 3 times a week in the track and 2 times a week in gymnasium . I say I try, because many times I can´t leave from my job on time to go to my training sessions before the stadium or gym are closed. Many times I have to overcome the tiresomeness of a whole day working, and the cold or rainy weather (we don´t have a closed stadium available). I consider myself as an athletic addict, as most of athletes are, so training and sports practice is a “must”. This makes all the efforts easier to overcome and move along. My greatest difficulty is time availability, for my job is very time demanding . Many times, when it is too late, I have to train in a park near my house. Resting time is not much, but usually I am able to recover from intense trainings because they are every other day. I am specially careful with the food, though; I have healthy food, and I do not smoke nor drink alcohol.
Another very very important issue is the coach. My first coach in my Master era was my husband, who passed away 9 years ago. He did a wonderful job preparing me for this stage. I had been a scholar athlete, but University studies made me quit from sport practice for almost 12 years. Leonardo convinced me to return to athletic practice and offered to be my coach, (and sooner, my husband…). Under his command, I started improving and improving, and at age 40, I did the World record for 400 mts W 40 , (which still remains). When he passed away I quitted sports again, until my soul´s need to return to athletics won. In this return I looked for my current coach. Katy is a wonderful woman who has dedicated her professional life training athletes of all ages, but now that she is retired, she trains a group of Master athletes, all of us runners. She dedicates time to each one of us, understands our personal issues, our time availabilities, our injuries, and tailors our trainings accordingly. She gives us wise counselings when we are down or deceived. She and my wonderful group of 7 women athletes have been a very important support in my preparation for athletic results . We are always together in each event, cheering ourselves, helping each other, sharing emotions, frustrations and successes. This experience, in the my last third of life, is priceless.
What are your goals for next year? Do you have any specific targets or events you’re focused on?
For 2025 my goal is the South American Masters Athletic Championship to be held in Santiago, Chile, in November.
How do you plan to continue improving and evolving as an athlete?
In 2026 I hope I can make it to the WMA in South Korea. I hope good health and no injuries join together to make this wish possible. I expect to continue training and improving, if possible. Sports practice makes people feel young, self confident, happy, positive and with joy of life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of masters athletics?
Besides sports, my other passion is my job. I am an anesthesiologist, and I really enjoy my medical specialty. I am convinced that my sports training has been of basic importance to make me not feel tired with long and intense working journeys.
What else would you like people to know about you?
I am also a good reader! And I enjoy being with my daughters, the best of what my husband left to me when he left. Both of them grew up in the stadium where we trained, so they love sports too. The eldest is a beach-volley player, she belonged to the national team when younger.
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