MALAGA, Spain -- On Day 2 of the WMA Championships in Malaga, Spain, Team USATF collected nine medals and a host of top qualifiers for semifinals and finals tomorrow, as the competition began in earnest at four venues.
USATF Masters Athlete of the Year in 2017 Sabra Harvey (W65) and Eve Pell (W80) won gold in the 6k cross country race and Erin Taylor-Talcott (W40) collected a gold in the 5000m race walk. Silvers went to shot putter Greg Holden (M60) and decathlete Mike Kuoppamaki (M40). And Mary Wilkins (W55) and Elsbeth Padia (W80) won bronze medals in the shot put and hammer throw respectively. Padia's toss of 23.23m eclipsed the American record previously held by Flo Meiler. In addition Team USATF brought home bronze medals in the team competition in the W50 and W70 cross country race
Among the Americans with the fastest qualifying times in the 100m were Rondrick Parker (M35), Don McGee (M55), Val Barnwell (M60), and world record holders Charles Allie (M70) and Bob Lida (M80). Long hurdlers with the fastest qualifying times were Karnell Vickers (M50), Kenneth Lacey (M60), and George Haywood (M65). And Christel Donley (W80) is leading the way in the heptathlon in her age group.
Tomorrow competition continues with Americans in the running for medals in the finals of the 100m, combined events, and throws. Competition continues through September 16.
Contributed by USATF Masters Track & Field Committee