Well, Dwight may think it's best to roll over and die, but I like the guys who intend not to go quietly into that good night.
I recall a story Bill Dellinger told me about getting ready for the Tokyo Olympics at age 34 (N.B. Dwight's age at his last attempt at living): Bill said in the run-up to the Games, he would have to walk a ways before every run because his Achilles tendons were so sore from the training. I'm betting he doesn't regret the comeback effort. In fact, I think his only regret was getting stung by a bee before the final and wondering if it cost him a few meters... I didn't know Bill as well as many of his athletes, but I do remember playing darts and cards with him once in a while. He loves to compete, and one thing you ALWAYS can count on: Bill's playing to win. The people who last in this sport are the ones who love to compete and love to win, but would rather compete and lose than not do anything at all. It's only some of the fans and apparently one of the commentators who think it's somehow sad to see an old guy giving it a go and losing. What a crock... Cheers, Buck -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 9:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: t-and-f: Emmons on comebacks/Kingdom reacts to WR Greetings, all Check out: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/8867568.htm?1c Mark Emmons talked to Al Joyner, Roger Kingdom and Mike Powell -- among others -- regarding the spate of ex-Olympians making elite comebacks. But our old masters friend Dwight Stones sounds a discordant note: ``They're deluding themselves,'' said Dwight Stones, a former high-jump world-record holder who is now a TV commentator. ``I'm hopeful that they have something else in their lives that fills the void that's inevitably left by the exit of your athletic career. It's foolishness.'' . . . . Stones, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, said the older athletes are kidding themselves if they believe they can compete with today's kids. He speaks from experience. In 1988, at 34, he qualified for the U.S. trials at the last minute. But he did poorly once he got there and regretted even trying. Aging athletes, he said, should accept that their time has passed and that they can't do the training required to compete at the highest level. ``I don't think they're thinking that some guys might get nailed for drugs and that would leave an opening for them,'' Stones said. ``I think they're bemoaning the loss of their childhood. We all suffer from the Peter Pan syndrome. That if we get out there with our shirts off and the wind at our back, we'll feel like we're 25 again. But the next day, you sure won't feel like you're 25.'' Kingdom is an example. A tweaked hamstring has hampered his training. He knows naysayers might mock his comeback attempt. But Kingdom said he was planning to compete in masters age-group meets anyway, so he figured that he might as well shoot for the trials. Also..... Kingdom has replied to a note I sent him on David Ashford's recent M40 record in the 110 highs (42-inch category). Roger writes: Thanks for the updates. As you know, earlier this season, I injured my hamstring. Between the injury, work and my charitable obligations, my training has been hampered a bit. But now I'm ready and will compete on June 16th and 23rd at Slippery Rock University. Even though it will be my first real competition, I will use it to build on. It was good to see so many of my old colleagues in the race with David. I'm very excited for David on his NEW WORLD MASTERS RECORD. That's quite an accomplishment. David, enjoy it now!!! If I don't break it this year, then next year it'll be mine. :) Don't you just love the competition? I truly look forward to a head-to-head match with Mr. Ashford. If you want to be considered the best, you'll have to beat the best. David, you are truly the best right now. Just remember, the hounds are chasing the fox and this hound is very hungry. May the Lord continue to bless us all to enjoy this sport in our lives that we love so much. Amen! Ken Stone http://www.masterstrack.com
