Joe Appiah at world Masters Championships
Just a quick report on my performance at WMACi World Masters Athletics championships in Torun, Poland 24th to 30th March.
It started with M45 Long Jump on Sunday. I have been ill a bit for 3 weeks in February so l lost a bit of training and was it expected too much of myself. In a high standard event l managed a jump of 6.26m to get Bronze. The M40 competition was won by ex International Jamaican Athlete James Beckford with 7.17m.
Next came the 60m sprints on monday to weds where l made the final with 7.34secs in semi, my best time since 2017. In a close race for 2nd/3rd l came 5th with 7.38secs. I did quite manage to get my usual quick start and it possibly cost me a medal. The M40 age group final was won by ex International Francis Obikwelu with 6.90secs. He is an Olympic 100m silver medallist and European 100m record joint record holder with 9.86secs.
With such a tough schedule all l hoped is my body to hold up before my 60m hurdles on Friday.
I negotiated my hurdles semi on Friday morning with 8.44secs and executed a perfect race in the evening and win the final with 8.31secs, equalling my own British and European Record.
My week at Torun has been extremely successful with two medals. Body was too tired for the 4x200m on Saturday.
I am so grateful for all the support. Without it l wouldn’t be able to achieve these great performances year and year out.
Joe Appiah
World Masters
60mH Champion 2019