Masters want level playing field for their athletes

WITH just 10 days before the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) stages the COURTS 10K Run as part of its anniversary celebration, the Masters Athletics Association is calling on the organisers to create a level playing field for its athletes.This call was made at the conclusion of the recent Massy 10K Run.
The athletes who spoke to Chronicle Sport vented their feelings about being placed at a disadvantage.
They said masters who are in their early 50s have to compete against others who are 40 years plus but not exceeding 55 years, while others who are in their late 60s have to compete against others who are younger by 10 years or more.
For the just concluded Massy 10K, the organisers had only two age groups for the Masters – 40 plus and 56 plus.
In an invited comment, 68-year-old Franklyn Archer, an active athlete since his teenage years, complained bitterly about having to compete against much younger athletes. “This is real advantage … at my age I have to compete against persons 12 years my junior. This should not happen. This is real advantage,” Archer lamented.
Carlton Stephenson, who is in his mid-60s and who placed second in the 56 years and over age group, said, “It was a total disadvantage for me being much older than most of the other athletes in that category … and when you finish all you get is a trophy or a hamper, not a cent to get transportation home.
Stephenson’s age group category was won by Llewellyn Gardner who clocked 43 minutes 12 seconds (43.12). Stephenson’s time was 54.43 and Charles Casse who placed third returned 55.30.
The case of the masters who contested the 40 plus age group category was no different as there were some in their very early 50s competing with others 10 years younger.
This category was won by Larry Josiah (40.01). Second was Eion Archibald (40.25) and finishing third was Kwame Bright (42.23).
Only two women participated in the Masters category, as it was open to women 40 years plus. The winner was Cyrleen Phillips (50.22), while Carla Adams finished second.
According to the athletes, the AAG did not adhere to the world governing body’s (IAAF) rules pertaining to Masters’ age groups. Which are: 40-44; 45-49; 50-59, 60-65 etc.
They all said the AAG’s actions should be corrected for the upcoming COURTS 10K which is set for September 20.
They also threatened to boycott the activity if the situation is not rectified.
Their threat came minutes after AAG president Aubrey Hutson, in brief remarks before the presentation of prizes to the winners, called on other master athletes to get involved and resuscitate the Masters Association.
Efforts s to contact Hutson for a comment proved futile.

By Michael DaSilva

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