Redefining Age

While participating in a recent track meet for masters (ages 30 and up), I saw one of the most memorable events of my life.

I saw Bill Daprano run a strong 200 meter sprint in just over 30 seconds.

Bill is 75 years old.

He looks 40. From a distance, to see Bill run, you might say, "That's a fast high school or college athlete." Bill has set six world records -- two of them in the pentathlon for his performance in five events (long jump, discus, 200 meter sprint, javelin and the 1500 meters).

I was throwing the discus when the starting gun sounded. I glanced and saw Bill take off from the starting blocks and, for inspiration, I watched him run. When he came out of the turn and headed into the straight way, he looked strong, young and fast. I made the comment to about 30 discus throwers, "That guy out in front is 75 years old." Everyone stopped to watch Bill run.

Bill running is art in motion! No painting has ever inspired me like watching Bill Daprano run.

Jeanne Daprano is also art in motion. She holds eight world records. And the records are in the tough mid-distance races. In the female 60-64 age group, Jeanne set a world record in the 1500 meters (just a little short of a mile) at 5:46. That's four laps around the track -- minus 200 meters -- in less than six minutes.