The world of masters athletics, open to competitors aged 35 and often much older, is a place for older sportspeople to break world records well into their golden years
The story of Kathy Bergen’s decorated track and field career began in the pages of AARP magazine, which is another way of saying it didn’t start until after she turned 50. In the years since, Bergen has cemented her status as a legend in the world of masters athletics, which is open to competitors aged 35 and older. She was inducted into the USA Track & Field Masters Hall of Fame in 2008, and was named the top female masters athlete in 2015. Earlier this month at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida, Bergen received her highest honor, as she was named the top masters athlete of the year by USATF.
The accolades are deserved for someone who has broken so many world records that she loses count. “Off the top of my head, I’m thinking 24, 28. I’m not really sure,” Bergen said in a phone interview. (It’s 28, but who’s counting?)
