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World Masters Athletics “Day Four” Shows Ukrainian Women’s Resolve

ALACHUA COUNTY,  FL – March 26, 2025 – At West End, The Outdoor Throws saw nine categories decided and 27 medals handed out.  The story of the morning was Ukraine’s Natalia Radionova’s Bronze in the Women’s (50-54) Hammer.  It was her second medal of the games. On Monday, she won silver in the Women’s (50-54) Weight Throw.

“I dedicate both medals to the people of Ukraine,” said Radionova.  “My hometown is completely destroyed, and I am now training in France. It’s a big deal.  It’s important to show the people of the world that we are still alive.  

Radionova’s teammate Tetiana Nasonova won the country’s first Gold medal on Tuesday in the Women’s (45-49) Weight Throw. 

“It means everything,” said Nasonova.  “My son’s town is under occupation and in the line of fire.   Everyday there is bombing, and I am so grateful to come to the United States and win Gold for him and my country.” 

The host nation continued to load up on Outdoor hardware.  Angela Herzner, of Team USA, won Gold in the Women’s (50-54) Hammer.   Amy Haapanen set a Championship Record and gave the stars and stripes their second Gold of the day in Outdoor Throws.  This one in Women’s (40-44) Hammer at 56.88M. 

By early afternoon two more World Records had fallen.  The Women’s (70-74) 3000m and Women’s (75-79) 3000m set new marks.   Nora Cary’s time of 12:24.36 and gave Team USA their first long distance medal of the day and seventh World Record in four days of competition.  Great Britain’s Sarah Roberts, and her time of 12:28.82, gave The Union Jack their first World Record of the week.  Clare Elms, of Great Britain, set a Championship Record in the Women’s (60-64) 3000m at 10:49.83.   Michelle Rohl, of Team USA, also set a Championship Record in Women’s (55-59) 3000m at 10.21.17.  The last Championship Record of the day went to Ellie Stevens, of Great Britain, in Women’s (40-44) 3000m with a time of 9:43.13.  

As Wednesday afternoon drew to a close, 48 medals had been handed out in the Triple Jump, High Jump, Long Jump and Pole Vault.   Tomarris Bell, of Team USA, set a Championship Record in the Men’s (35-39) Triple Jump at 15.11m.  Fellow American Wendell Beck added a Championship Record to his resume, in the Men’s (55-59) Pole Vault, with a height of 3.70m.

As the WMA’s hits the midway point, 53 different countries have medaled.  Team USA leads the way with 206 total, followed by Great Britain’s 44 and Germany’s 25.

Thursday morning, at 9 a.m., the Women’s 3000m Race Walk takes place at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center. During that time the Indoor Jumps and Indoor Throws begin with the Women’s (80+) Hight Jump and Women’s (70-74) Weight Throw.  At 1:45 p.m., the heats begin in the Women’s 200m with the (65-69) category hitting the track.  At 3:45 p.m., the finals in the Men’s 200m gets underway with the (90+) category firing off the blocks.  At West End, at 9 a.m., The Outdoor Throws continue with the Men’s (50-54) Javelin followed by the Men’s (65-69) Discus and the Men’s (45-49) Hammer.   

Key Event Highlights:

  • Competition Dates: Today thru March 30, 2025
  • Locations: Alachua County Sports and Events Center, Celebration Pointe
  • Open 5K Road Race: March 29, 2025, following the WMA 10K Road Race at Celebration Pointe (registration at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/CelebrationPointe5K                         Deadline is Thursday, March 27th at 5PM. 
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Available throughout the week (sign-up at www.wmaci2025.com)
  • Admissions: Free for spectators
  • Athlete Village: Open daily from 10am – 9pm, with live entertainment vendors and more. Vendor opportunities can be found at https://wmaci2025.com/vendors/

Media Information:

    • Local media are invited to attend. Media credentials can be requested through the official event website: https://wmaci2025.com/media-accreditation/
    • The Media Center will be located at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and will be open to credentialed media throughout the competition.
    • General Schedule and competition details are available at www.wmaci2025.com
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