The following is a collection of the best quotes from the 2012 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast which wrapped up today (Sunday 11 November):
“The four of us let our feet do the talking today.”
There was nothing more to say for runner George Harrod after his team broke the 80+ age group 4x400m world masters record by almost 28 seconds.
“As a team we blended beautifully and the canoe actually felt like it was on railroad tracks.”
Queensland’s 1992 Olympian Gayle Mayes is not afraid of some hard paddling, or mixing a metaphor at the outrigger canoeing.
“I should have played netball because the lights went out the other night at the courts and I would have had an advantage over the girls straight away.”
Sight impaired indoor rower and official Canberra Classics netball team masseuse Lindy Hou could have had an unexpected moment of glory when the lights went out at netball.
“We’re struggling old champions dealing with too many late nights too early in the week. But the bacon and eggs rolls here are fantastic.”
Antone ‘The Colonel’ Sanders let slip his team’s post-the-night-before recovery secret at the cricket competition.
“When my doctor told me I had cancer I told him not to tell me about it. I said, ‘you found it, you fix it!’”
Cyclist Geoffrey Hawkins explains his unique approach to dealing with cancer.
“We have crocodiles, stingers and sharks to contend with, but as long as you stay in the boat everything’s good.”
Dragon boater Linda Nugent explains the dangers of training in the Mackay region.
“If you have a good team, a good spirit and a good attitude, and have a good go, that’s good enough.”
Two-time Olympic kayaker Lynda Lehmann felt really good about competing at the Pan Pacific Masters Games in outrigger canoeing.
“I have no feeling in my legs from the knees down and in my arms from the elbows down. I also lose my sight when I spar. When I heat up in stressful situations I get swelling around the nerves which control my vision and they stop working.”
Taekwondoka Janine Watson, who has Multiple Sclerosis, has to fight more than just her opponents when she is competing.
“The Guppies came from behind and we had the cheer squad going over here, but we couldn’t get the chocolates.”
Colourful Australian swimming identity Laurie Lawrence used his full repertoire of encouragements at the Water Polo, but his daughter Kate’s team, The Guppies, had to be happy with silver – and no chocolates.
“We were like, what? … She’s in our division?”
Penthea Carmichael was shocked when she came up against five-time Olympian Natalie Cook in her first ever beach volleyball match.
“Bill had a very bad leg break six years ago and had an arm injury where the bicep tore from the bone, and I’ve got a pacemaker.”
74-year-old motocross competitor Colin Metcher lists his and Bill Holm’s war wounds suffered from a long love affair with dirt bikes.
“I’ve never had a home run hit against me in the (Guam) Major Leagues for the past 20 years and I’ve found that some of these guys can’t hit me, and I don’t even throw that hard.”
Guamanian baseball player John Halloran was not afraid to talk some trash early in the tournament.
“The main thing I miss from those years is the camaraderie, and that’s why we’re here this week.”
Sydney 2000 Water Polo gold medallist Liz Scott (nee Weekes) came to Pan Pacific Masters Games this year to rekindle the fire of past glories.
“Usually about the time they discover cars and girls or boys, they’re gone.”
83-year-old archer Maureen Taylor laments her sport’s inability to attract the youth of today.
“We had to come third to qualify for the Olympics and we came fourth, so we never got to go, but we’re here now and this is our new Olympics.”
Former Australian national volleyball team member Roy Bruynius never reached the Olympic Games, but the Pan Pacific Masters Games have given him a new goal to aim for.
“You can get quite embarrassed if you’re not up to speed.”
Local rower Karen Smith puts her credibility on the line every time she puts oar to water in Masters competition.
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not significant for us.
