Multiple Olympians, numerous Kentuckians and ‘The Freeze’ battle for medals in Lexington
Lexington will be a little cooler this weekend, thanks to “The Freeze.”
“The Freeze,” also known as Durran Dunn, is famous for donning an ice-blue spandex suit and racing fans in between innings at Atlanta Braves games. Fans can even win $100 gift cards if they’re able to “Beat the Freeze.” Dunn is one of the many unique competitors at this weekend’s USA Track and Field Masters Outdoor Championships scheduled Thursday through Sunday at the University of Kentucky.
The USATF Masters offers competitions from local to international levels for athletes who are 25 years old or older. The oldest entrants in this weekend’s competition are 97-year-old Betty Lindberg of Atlanta and 95-year-old Richard Sollar of North Bend, Ohio. Lindberg competes in both sprint and distance events. Sollar competes in sprints and the long jump.
More than 1,200 athletes from 13 countries will be in attendance, with some even traveling from as far as Australia and Venezuela.
As for local representation, Kentucky will have a considerable presence at the Masters. Seventy-three Kentuckians will be competing in this weekend’s events, including a handful of defending champions. Lexington’s Heather Ferguson is looking to defend her title in the 100-meter dash for 45-49-year-old women. She’ll also compete in the 200 and 400. Fort Thomas’ James Lindberg is the reigning champion in the 60-64 men’s 400. Sadieville’s Jane Wigginton won last year’s title in the 40-44 women’s high jump. Louisville’s Rob Arnold won last year’s 45-49 men’s 200.
A few Olympians will also be competing this weekend, such as Ed Burke — the 1984 Olympic Flag Bearer. Burke, now 82, is a three-time Olympian who competes in the hammer, shot and weight throws. Michelle Rohl, 56, is also a three-time Olympian. She is scheduled to participate in the women’s 800-, 1,500- and 10,000-meter runs.
As for “The Freeze,” he’ll be running in the men’s 100 and 200. Dunn is also raffling off two Freeze Bobbleheads. Proceeds for the raffle will go to the America WMA Travel Grant Program. Tickets will be available at the National Masters News table for $10 each.
The USATF Masters Outdoor Championships start Thursday at the UK Outdoor Track Complex. Events run from 7 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Thursday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m.-2:40 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is free for all spectators.
