There would not be a dry eye in the stadium in Malaga if the sizeable number of spectators who are witnessing some absolutely amazing performances here, really knew what the British M45 World 100m and 200m Champion has achieved in the space of four days.
The SCVAC member from Mitcham in Surrey was drawn in Heat 10 of the M45 100m on 5 September, he won in 11.44sec; the fastest qualifier from the huge entry. Early the next morning he had his semi, winning in 11.14 (+1.3) again the fastest from the three semis, beating top sprinters from USA, Japan, Canada and the 100 other nations entered here. At 20.00 the same day he went on to take the World title in 11.01sec, (+0.3) a new British M45 record from Hiroaki Akabori, Japan 11.33sec and Takeshi Fukuzato Japan, 11.35sec.
7 September, Day 3 of the Championships, he lined up with 91 other 200m sprinters, winning his Heat, and going on to take the semi on 9th in 23.36sec and the Final later that day for his second World Masters Athletics gold medal in 22.91sec.
What is so amazing about this sprinter is that he has achieved all this in searing heat (33/29°) and oppressive humidity less than two years after sacrificing a lung to cancer.
The 48-year old has a great pedigree, he has now broken the British M45 100m twice, won the British Masters title and moved down an Age Category to run in that World M40s 4 x 100m relay squad with Dominic Bradley, Mensah Elliott and Dwaine Chambers that cracked one of the most difficult World Records when they clocked 42.18sec earlier this season.
He took the European Indoor 60m gold in Madrid in a British record 7.12sec and led the 4 x 200m relay to a silver medal.
Prior to his life threatening illness, he had an impressive tally of World, European and British Indoor medals. Little wonder that the young athletes he mentors hero-worship him.
Bridget Cushen
(photo taken at Malaga World Masters Championships by TomPhillipsPhotos.co.uk)