Sally’s welcome to master age-group racing
SALLY Pearson has promised to join the fun in the future but for now members of Gold Coast Masters Athletics are happy to create their own modest track and field legacies.
Athletes ranging in age from 30 to 84-year-old Bill McMullen will take to Griffith University at the club’s No- vember 12 carnival for another day of fun and fitness.
While it’s a world away from the Olympics, 31-yearold golden girl Pearson has pledged her support behind a format that’s as much about fun and fitness as results.
“Sally Pearson told me she would join soon,” Gold Coast Masters Athletics official Karen Lakin said.
“That wasn’t too long ago so hopefully (she will).”
For now, Lakin is rallying the troops for a competition spring-loaded by men’s and women’s pentathlons on November 12.
“We do have some really competitive athletes but a lot just enjoy the social side of things,” she said.
“It’s not just for the competitive side of it; it’s about fitness and we also have fun.
“We have got a few really talented athletes.”
Numbers, though, remain a concern. Lakin has predicted up to 40 athletes will attend – a number she is desperate to increase.
“It’s slowing down; athletics in general has dropped off in some ways,” she said. “I don’t really know why.” Athletes must be 30 to compete but those age categories go up to 35 (women) and 40 (men) when it comes to world titles competition.
The club’s next competition day is November 26.