Sprinter Story in fast lane to compete in California
There’s no pause button in the game of life for Feilding sprinter Vanessa Story.
Having just returned from the World Masters in South Korea, the 42-year-old is straight back on the plane and off to California next week where she will compete against athletes 20 years her junior.
She will set foot on United States soil in hot form after a strong showing at the World Games, turning in a second, third and fourth in the 200, 400 and 800 metre sprints respectively.
In California she is entering the 100, 200 and 400 metre heats, and is part of the 100 and 400 metre relay teams.
While she’s still as competitive as ever, Story is beginning to see her role as a figurehead to encourage young athletes to stick with the sport in adulthood.
She was a handy athlete as a schoolgirl Palmerston North Girls’ High School but gave it up when she left school.
‘‘It’s a dying sport unfortunately, we’re losing them thick and fast. We don’t get to send too many to the Olympics or Commonwealth Games,’’ Story said.
‘‘They drop out after school or university, but what they don’t realise is there’s still a lot out there. I want to say ‘hey guys, it doesn’t stop after school – you can still balance a career and hobby out of it’.
‘‘Part of the reason I advocate is because I gave up after school and didn’t get back into it till I was 30. I missed out on opportunities in between and half the time I probably think I’m 21 again just to make up for it. at
‘‘Later on you regret what you missed out on.’’
She’s wary of tough competition in California – over 19 heats for the 100 metre sprint – and is battling a niggle in her knee.
‘‘I’ve just come from the hospital – I did my ACL a couple of years ago and might need surgery again when I get back. You bear through the pain and keep going though.’’
While she’s older than most of the competition, Story has never been able to shake her childlike love for the sport.
She has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
‘‘If your legs are still working then use them. I plan on dying on the track.
‘‘I want to keep competing in the open until I’m 45 or 46, but I don’t see myself not competing in the sport . . . ever.
‘‘I know there’s more in the tank yet. There will be a time when I can’t train seven days a week, but we’ll cross that bridge later.’’