GUTS TO GLORY
For this Athlete, Slowing Down Is Not an Option

By Pam Torres

In 1998, George Opsahl was typical — working and spending his leisure time on the couch. That year a unique event, the World Masters Games came to Portland, OR and Opsahl worked as a volunteer. Four years later the games would be in Melbourne, Australia and George would be there. Seven years later, two master games under his belt, as well as two bronze and two silver medals, he is no where near the couch. Looking towards the 2009 games in Sidney, Opsahl continues to improve his racewalking skill.

“I had always wanted to travel to Australia and after volunteering in Portland games, I made the decision to participate in Melborne. This was an opportunity to meet and compete with talented people from around the world,” Opsahl explained.

The World Masters Games is one of the biggest multi-national, multi-sport festivals in the world. “Masters” is an age designation; for most sports the minimum age is 30. The largest group competing is between 30 and 50 years old. There are no qualifying requirements, world class athletes compete alongside novices. The governing philosophy behind the games is “sport for life,” is witnessed as older athletes continue to compete and improve their abilities.

Opsahl chose racewalking because of the challenge of the form and that it is less abusive to the body than running.

“Since I was new to the sport and never actually run before either, I definitely needed guidance.” Opsahl continues to seek out experts in the field for guidance and direction. He tributes his success to the support he has received from “the people at Race Walkers Northwest, the Oregon Road Runners Club and his racewalking coaches,” where he has learned the skills of the sport.

Racewalking, an Olympic sport since 1908, began almost 400 years ago when English noblemen bet on whose footman was faster. It grew in popularity and by 1870 was one of the largest betting sports in the United States, second only to horse racing. Today, strictly an amature sport, it continues to grow in popularity.

In racewalking events, participants are not only competing against each other, there are judges scrutinizing their form. They must have constant contact with the ground, or what is referred to as the “heel to toe” rule. It has been said that modern long-distance runners are imitating ancient messengers or are simply racewalkers who choose to ignore the rules.

Opsahl has become scientific and methodical about his training. His training has always included participating in local events, which he characterizes as “just another difficult workout.” This way he doesn’t get caught up in the competition and is focused on his goals.

His first two years he worked on increasing his distance, during the third he began focusing on technique. By the fourth year of training he completed his first marathon at the Avenue of Giants through the redwood forests of Northern California.

In Melbourne, Opsahl received two bronze medals, one for the 5k and another for the 20k. In Edmonton he participated in the half marathon and set a new personal record of 2:18:39:60. He has even had the opportunity to participate as a judge in a number of events.

For Opsahl, exercise has become an excuse for travel and the opportunity to mingle with great athletes. At 63 years old, Opsahl has no intention of slowing down and is determined to continue to set personal records.