Canadian Ted Rowan, smashed the M85 decathlon world record at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Malaga, Spain

Ted Rowan of Martensville, Saskatchewan smashed the M85 decathlon world record at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Malaga, Spain. Rowan beat the previous record by a shocking 500 points, scoring 7,110 to set the new record. Rowan was roughly 2,500 points ahead of the second place finisher. The decathlete reportedly didn’t begin participating in track and field until his 70s once he retired from his job as an accountant. Rowan is a former boxer. The decathlon is arguably the most grueling event in track and field. Rowan competed in 10 events over the course of two days of competition. The first day consists of (in order): 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. The second day’s events are 80m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1,500m. Yes, that’s right, the event includes pole vault. Other Canadians who have preformed well in the first two days of competition are Kris Koznell who grabbed gold in the 5,000m race walk and Jean Horne who also also received gold in women’s event.

posted Thursday September 6th