A dear friend pointed out that so many track and field athletes would be disappointed and complain if MastersRankings went away. I agree that it would be a shame, particularly because it should be so easy to ensure MastersRankings’ survival. You can help assure that it not only survives, but continues to expand and provide even more value to track athletes worldwide.
Some of the many correspondences I receive contain uninformed comments. A recent correspondent from outside the US said, “I was asking myself whether it is worthwhile to subscribe to your rankings.” The athlete went on to describe how MastersRankings did not contain the results for the age group/event in which he competed and that the top three rankings were US athletes. “So how are your rankings done? America first, nothing else? Does not seem useful.”
The athlete’s insightful response to my explanation (part of which appears below – there are some surprising numbers – there are some surprising numbers) is worth sharing: “Your answers show that your project is much more relevant and helpful than it appeared to me at first glance. What impresses me most in your answer is the proportion listed of other country insertions. While you are describing them as dis-proportionally representing the US, in fact the numbers are much better than I expected.”
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So many benefits for the 180,000 listed athletes
Over 360,000 distinct users in less than 3 years.
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MastersRankings, aka World Masters Rankings has become an integral part of Masters Track & Field / Athletics. Many of you enjoy international friendships, friendly (and sometimes not so much!) competitions, camaraderie, seeing where you stand and keeping track of your friends & competitors. Some have used the site to find competitions, as a competition (when they cannot afford to travel), get sponsorships to enable them to compete, follow how grandma is doing and so much more. Frequently added features like age grades, athlete bios & pictures and, All-Time Rankings lists (added this month) are also really popular – all these and planned features are requested by athletes. The greatest benefit, in my opinion, is it helps motivate people to compete, be more active and therefore, be healthier.
The blunt reality is this site still exists because it is one idiot’s obsessive passion. This site does not just happen. It takes a significant amount of effort to do everything needed. For the moment, the site is supported by masters athletes. It is my goal to sustainably fund this through a combination of sponsorships, benefactors, grants, national & world governing bodies and athlete contributions. US tax deductible contributions from athletes will bridge to that point by funding operational costs.
2017 is pivotal year
MastersRankings needs to cover expenses
MastersRankings.com, Inc., like any 501(c)(3) Public Charity (US Corporation), is governed by a board of directors who focus on the company’s financial health (among other things). Thanks to the membership program introduced a year ago, the athlete contributions have covered operating costs (insurance, web hosting, licensing, general business expenses, etc.). Athlete contributions have not been enough to pay me anything so I have spent an immense amount of time without compensation. The board will not allow me to continue putting in the immense time and effort while the corporation cannot pay operational expenses and compensate me.
Help World Masters Rankings continue
Everyone can do their part
There are 1,452 (fewer than 1% of listed athletes) members right now including 683 who have already renewed. 1,452 people, plus me, financially support this site. MastersRankings’ board’s target is to have 3% of listed athletes as current members by the end of October. You can help by asking other athletes to become members. How easy will it be to keep this site going if everyone seeing this gets 3 others to support through memberships?!!!
Easy links to get membership:
Your contribution is US Tax Deductible – MastersRankings is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Anyone can also provide a contribution of any amount – everything helps! Click to Contribute
Many are not aware of World Masters Rankings
Help spread the word!
We all meet people at competitions who do not know MastersRankings exists or discovered it more or less by chance. One way you can help us meet the 3% membership goal is to the share with your competitors the value you receive from MastersRankings and encourage them to join.
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Ranked Athlete Spotlight
Everybody loves Nao-chan (her nickname)!! Naomi, currently W50, has won 60m and 100m at the all-Japan Masters championship for 9 years consecutively. Naomi works as the lecturer of the music system of Yamaha and is a very kind teacher, but she runs like a wild beast once she stands on the track!
Want to be featured in future Spotlights? Have a compelling or motivating story? We’d love to feature you. Email me @ john.seto@mastersrankings.com with a little about you and your compelling story and I will send you a few questions to facilitate writing the article.
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All-Time Rankings Lists on MastersRankings!
Probably the most requested feature.
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Long awaited All-Time Rankings Lists updated with recent performances are here!!! Performances for this were obtained from mastersathletics.net and Jim Sorensen plus performances from MastersRankings. This page will evolve through the year as I make further corrections to the lists in MastersRankings (correcting errors which appear in these lists with the incorrect athlete) and implement your requests and suggestions.
Not all performances on this page are confirmed to be accurate and done in accordance with WMA rules. Consequently, performances better than the listed World Record either have yet to be ratified, do not meet all ratification requirements or are not accurate.
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By the Numbers & Meet Results
Since Last Report:
- 55,212 Performances Added (959 by Athletes)
- Representing 16,101 Athletes from 93 Countries
- 4,089 new athletes listed
Sample of Complete Meet Results Added:
- National Senior Games, USA
- Australian Masters Athletics Champtionships, AUS
- British Masters Championships, GBR
- Bawü Seniorenmeisterschaften, GER
- Inter Cercles Masters, BEL
- Masters Combined Events National Championship, USA
- Danish Masters Championship, DEN
- North East Masters Championships, GBR
- St Louis Senior Olympics, USA
- Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, AUS
- Cto. España Veteranos 10000, Pentatlón Lanzamientos Y Combinadas, ESP
- Surrey Masters Track & Field Champs, GBR
- North East Masters Aa League, GBR
- Pacific Invitational/ B C Masters Championships, CAN
- Pasadena Senior Games, USA
- Pacific Association Masters, USA
- Norwegian Indoor Championships, NOR
- Vdm Stockholm, SWE
- Campeonato Nacional Pentatlo de Lançamentos, POR
Notable Newly Entered Performances in the Rankings:
Note: all of these are links to the athletes’ profile, meet results in MastersRankings and the rankings list for this event (respectively)
Fit With Fat & Master Your Health!
Do you get the News?
National Masters News is more than just a Masters Track & Field results publication. In addition to all the great meet highlights, athlete focuses and meet results, the News also has training tips, human interest stories, Road Racing, Race Walking, Cross Country and more. Catch Carroll DeWeese’s “Fit with Fat”, Benita Lee’s “Master Your Health”, Paul Carlin’s USATF Club Cross Country Champions article, Jerry Bookin-Weiner’s Throwers Circle, Rex Harvey’s From the USATF MTF Chair and much more in this month’s issue.
Don’t receive the News? Subscribe now and download 2016 electronic issues. It’s like two years for the price of one.
On the lead page of your website there is a box that clearly points out ‘Rankings Awards’ Order here. Upon clicking on that box, unless I missed it, I found NO order blank. How are we to order certificates and patches if there is no order blank or information as to what the costs are?
Also, is there no longer certificates and patches available for World Masters Rankings?