Wow.
I was today years old when I learned from the story about the incredible 90-year-old masters athlete Flo Meiler that women are not allowed to compete in the 10 event decathlon, based upon the premise that women would not be capable of the most grueling competition of the summer Olympics. Instead they compete in heptathlon, which is 7 events. Flo wants women’s decathlon included in the Olympics. Flo was profiled on CBS Sunday Morning on July 21st.
Flo Meiler is living proof that age is just a number, and that it’s NEVER too late to start anything.
We must not subscribe to limiting beliefs (especially women) when it comes to age.
Flo didn’t start track and field until her 60s. Then she went on to compete in the 50 meter, 100 meter, 400 meter, 110-meter hurdles, 1500 meter, long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, javelin, pole vault, and more, and accumulated over 35 world and US records, and over a 1000 medals, and counting.
I know from personal experience that many people see masters and senior athletes and assume “sure, she’s done their sport for a lifetime…”
Not true for me either. Serious athletic pursuits only started in my 50s, and I’ve hit some strength and performance goals. It’s been a teeny, tiny accomplishment and far, far from the incredible achievements of Flo Meiler, but I’ve been amazed at the ability to build strength and skills at an advanced age.
A good explainer: decathlon vs the heptathlon
Women’s decathlon is already approved by certain governing bodies in the sport, such as the International Association of Athletics Federations and U.S.A. Track & Field. Flo is training for the decathlon in USA Masters Combined Events Championship in Charlottesville, Va.
Flo is in good company with retired all-time great athlete, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals in track and field in four different Olympic Games, and went on to a pro basketball career. Joyner-Kersee believes it’s time for women’s decathlon, “Olympic decathlon is a logical step for women in track and field.”
Women are not fragile. Women are capable of anything. Older women too.
No one needs to push these limits. None of us needs to train to be a world class athlete, or ever to compete at all. In fact, training in a gym isn’t the only way to get strong. Strength gains can happen at home. Building strength can be a totally personal, and incredibly satisfying lifetime objective.
The message for women from me and Flo is:
Get strong right now, and you can stay strong. Physical strength leads to mental strength, which builds personal confidence.
Keep moving so you can live long and well.
Onward. Let’s go women!
x
Polli
