Umpiring in the Australian Football League (AFL) for 20 seasons has assisted Victorian Allan Cook become a dominate force on the Masters athletics track in recent years and will be one to watch at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) on the Gold Coast.
The 49-year-old has spent the majority of his sporting career on the sidelines as an AFL umpire, officiating 400 games including three grand finals, but in recent years he’s proven he can perform with the best on state, national and international Masters athletics stages.
The 1500m state running champion took home gold in the 400m, 800m and 1500m at the 2009 Australian Masters Games in Geelong and backed it up with silver and a bronze at the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
“The Australian Masters Games was my first Masters games and I really enjoyed myself,” said Allan.
“I then went onto the World Masters Games the same year and it was fantastic meeting other competitors from all around the world. The level of comradery is really special and I’m still friends with many of the people I met along the way.”
The Australian Football League Umpire Association Life Member and Hall of Fame inductee admits the mental and physical demands of being an AFL official have assisted him in becoming a successful Masters athlete.
“Boundary umpiring is incredibly hard as you are always trying to keep up with the play and there is absolutely no where to hide,” said Allan.
“I’ve experienced a lot of tough running and endured a lot of pain but going through that I know that I can keep pushing on the track.
“I just enjoy athletics. It has kept me healthy and fit for all these years and I’m enjoying it even more now with the success I’ve been having.”
Closing in on his 50th birthday Allan is excited about what his future as a Masters athlete holds including the World Masters Athletics Games in Brazil.
“50-years-old is still quite young in relation to Masters competitions. I’ve been looking at my future age groups and their record times and I think I’ve got plenty to look forward to,” said Allan.
“I also have the World Masters Athletics Games on the horizon this October which I’m really looking forward to.”
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