World record walk in park for Heather

HEATHER Lees decided to take up competitive walking after her husband died.

Twenty years on, the 90year-old has walked her way into the record books at the 16th Australian Masters Games in Tasmania. Ms Lees, of Richmond, NSW, created history in the 3000m walk at Penguin’s athletic centre, finishing in 24 mins, 56.97 secs to break the world record for her age group by almost 30 seconds.

She is one of 5000 people competing at the Games.

NINETY-YEAR-OLD Heather Lees has walked her way into the record books at the 16th Australian Masters’ Games in Tasmania’s North-West.

Lees, of Richmond in NSW, created history during her 3000m walk at Penguin’s athletic centre yesterday, finishing in 24:56.97 and breaking the world record for her age group by almost 30 seconds.

The nonagenarian had hoped to finish in under 25 minutes and that is what she did. Her record will become official when she submits it to the World Association of Masters Athletics.

Lees started walking when her husband died two decades ago, saying she felt stronger and better the faster and further she went.

She is competing in three races in four days at the games and was disappointed there was no 10km race for her on the competition program.

“If I can do around about 25 minutes, I’ll be happy,” Lee said before the event. “I’ve been to Tassie a couple of times. I only have one free day, so I’ll have to do some sightseeing then.”

From archery to sailing and beach volleyball, 5000 competitors are taking part in events across the North-West as the Australian Masters Games brings excitement and lots of visitor dollars to the region.

Competitors have come from around the nation and the world, and the sun has shone since the opening ceremony in Devonport on Saturday.

The Cradle Coast Authority estimates the games will contribute $12 million to the economy over a week.

The flow-on effects are expected to be felt for much longer as first-time visitors pencil in a return trip to Tasmania after the games.

More than 40 sports are being staged and hotels from Launceston to Smithton are booked out.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants are also doing a roaring trade.

A number of markets, festivals and music events have been planned to coincide with the influx of visitors.

In Burnie, 112 archers are competing in target and field events hosted by the Burnie Bowmen Association.

President Ian Bessell said the archers came from all across Australia as well as two from New Caledonia, two from South Africa and two from New Zealand.

“It has been a great competition so far and the weather has been kind,’ Mr Bessell said.

Amanda and Johann Viljoen, of South Africa, are visiting Tasmania for the first time.

“It is beautiful and a real shame we have to return so soon to our businesses back home,” Mrs Viljoen said.

The games are open to athletes aged over 30.

The oldest competitor taking part is Ted Moule, of Hobart, who is 93 years old and competing in sailing events in waters off Wynyard.

The English-born retiree is a member of the Derwent Sailing Squadron and came to Australia in 1958. A year later his job brought him to Hobart when he installed the first computer in Tasmania.

Organiser Scott Wade said “everything had gone pretty much to plan so far.”

“We have had a few issues on a day-to-day basis but the weather has been kind and everyone seems to be having a great time,” he said.

“It was a fantastic start to the games at the opening ceremony at the Devonport Food and Wine Festival.

“We are looking forward to the rest of the week which will culminate with a VIP event at the Makers’ Workshop in Burnie, drinks at West Beach and then the Skyfields music event at West Park.”