Some of the World Masters Athletics’ most decorated participants were at it again Thursday morning.
Canada’s Carol Lafayette-Boyd set a Women’s (80-84) Long Jump championship record at 3.14m. She previously set a record and earned a gold medal in the Women’s (80-84) 60m with a time of 10.33 on Monday.
With more than 30 years of competing, the Canadian Masters Hall of Famer has set 18 world records over multiple categories.
“I just want to do better than I did that last time,” said Lafayette-Boyd. “It’s nice to be here with all these people. I haven’t competed in the WMAs for a while and haven’t done too many 200m in the last few years, so I am looking forward to that, too.”
Lafayette-Boyd will have a chance to take home another gold on Friday in the 200m final. Her qualifying time of 36.00 was the fastest of all competitors.
American Flo Meiler has also been a force to be reckoned with throughout the week. She has broken four records on her resume.
“It’s never too late,” said Meiler. “If I can take up track at 60 years old, anybody can do it.”
Meiler’s world records came in the Women’s (90-94) 60m Hurdles with 23.62., the High Jump at 0.90m, and the Pentathlon with 2531 points. Her championships record came in the Women’s 60m at 15.85.
Men’s competitions
Eight different countries claimed gold in the Men’s 200m finals’ 12 categories, with at least one world record being set.
In the Men’s (90-94) category Mongolia’s Radnaa Tseren brought the crowd to their feet with a WR time of 37.12. Team USA won five gold medals. Australia, Sweden, Spain, Germany, France, Saudia Arabia along with Mongolia all stood atop the podium as well.
In the Indoor Jumps, Team USA’s Neringa Jakstiene claimed her second world record of the week. Her Triple Jump of 4.77m put her at the top of the podium in (60-64). Previously, on Sunday, her Long Jump mark of 4.74m became the first world record of the WMAIC.
Kay Glenn, of Team USA, also set a championship record in the Women’s (70-74) Long Jump at 3.80m. In the Indoor Throws, Team USA’s Myrle Mensey set a world record in the Women’s Weighted Throw (75-79) with a distance of 16.82m.
At West End, the Outdoor Throws saw four nations win gold in the Javelin, Hammer and Discus. Team USA, Germany, Great Britain and Japan all stood atop the podium. In addition to the U.S., Germany, Spain, Poland, Austria and Lithuania won Silver, while Israel and Ireland picked up Bronze.
Medal count
As the day five concluded, 57 different countries have medaled. Team USA leads the way with 265 total, followed by Great Britain’s 53 and Germany’s 37.
Friday morning, at 9 a.m., the Men’s 3000m Race Walk takes place at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center. During that time the Indoor Jumps begin with the Women’s (55-59) Triple Jump and the Women’s (75-79) High Jump. At 2 p.m., the finals begin in the Women’s 200m with the (80+) category hitting the track. At West End, at 9 a.m., The Outdoor Throws continue with the Men’s (80+) Hammer followed by the Men’s (65-69) Javelin and the Men’s (75-70) Discus.
In addition, on Friday, the Sci-Fi Punk Rock Band “Teleporters” takes to the stage, in the Athletes Village, starting at 8 p.m.
Changes to the 10K Race Walk on March 30, 2025.
8:00 a.m. -- W60+
9:45 a.m. -- W35,40,45,50,55
11:15 a.m. -- M70+
1:00 p.m. -- M60,
2:30 p.m. -- M35,40,45,50,55
Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of the athletes, the WMA and Local Organizing Committee with the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, have announced due to anticipated weather, if a race is interrupted due to inclement weather, it will not restart.
Key Event Highlights:
- Competition Dates: Friday - Sunday
- Locations: Alachua County Sports and Events Center, Celebration Pointe
- Volunteer Opportunities: Available throughout the week (sign-up at www.wmaci2025.com)
- Admissions: Free for spectators
Athlete Village: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with live entertainment vendors and more. Vendor opportunities can be found at https://wmaci2025.com/vendors/
Media Information: Local media are invited to attend. Media credentials can be requested through the official event website: https://wmaci2025.com/media-accreditation/
The Media Center will be located at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and open to credentialed media throughout the competition. General Schedule and competition details are available at www.wmaci2025.com
For more information and to contact the on-site media liaison, contact Seth Harp at 251-281-5013 or info@wmaci2025.com.
