5000m walk record holder Russell Grigg, 89, has his eyes on more pages in the record book. Photo: Ellie Gibson
Thursday 10 November 2016
By Ellie Gibson
Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG) 5000m walk record holder Russell Grigg, 89, has his eyes on more pages in the record book.
Russell set the walk record at the 2014 games, but today was targeting field events. He won gold in the 85-89 weight throw (a masters specific sport) at the Sports Super Centre Track at Runaway Bay and aims to set a new hammer throw record in his age group.
“At training I threw 16.5m exceeding the current record which is 16.03m,” Russell said.
From Brisbane, Russell trains at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Complex, more commonly known as the QE2 sports facility near his residence at Eight Mile Plains.
He has been a long-time competitor at the JPPMG and has decided not to contest the 5km walk this year.
“The 5km walk is tonight but I didn’t bother to go into it because I already have the record!” Russell said.
However he still has plenty of other commitments including discuss, hammer throw, javelin, shot put and the 3000m walk over the next two days.
He also shared a secret.
“There’s only one person in the age group of 85-89…” Russell laughed.
“Guess who? Me!
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games showcases competition in 43 team and individual sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
