competitors span age, ability spectrum

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 28, 2008 by katy booth

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Boulder resident Klaus Timmerhaus was one of the many competitors at this year's State Games of the West track and field competition with something to prove.

The 84-year-old Timmerhaus finished four events, and served as an example for younger athletes.

"Just having a guy like that out there showed a lot of the other athletes that they really had a lot of years of competition left in them," organizer Suzanne Boynton said. "Today we just had a lot of competitors out there that many people would think couldn't be doing what they're doing."

Timmerhaus competed in the 50-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter dashes as well as the 1500-meter run, which he completed in 15:59.65.

Five-year-old Kira Reckel of Colorado Springs also caught spectators' attention when she finished her 50-meter dash in 10.93 seconds.

"The spectrum of competitors that we had come out this weekend was just amazing," Boynton said. "They literally came from every age group, profession, ability level, and walk of life."

Through a collaboration with the USOC and the Paralympics, the State Games track and field competition was also able to host 40 athletes with disabilities, including 19 military veterans.

"We first began integrating these athletes into the State Games in 2005, and the results have been astounding," said Dr. Mark Lucas, executive director of the United States Association of Blind Athletes. "Not only is it great for the disabled athletes, but it really educates the public and gets them to understand their fellow athletes a little better."

No one is more excited about the opportunity to compete than Gilbert Magallanes, 45, who ran his first triathlon during Saturday's competition, and won the gold medal in his age group in the javelin toss Sunday.

"I wanted to compete in as many things as I could, so I asked what was still open on Saturday," Magallanes said. "They said the triathlon, so I figured I would give it a shot. I do a lot of swimming, but the running and biking were a little tough."

Magallanes, a former Army Green Beret, broke his back and neck in Arghanistan in 2001. Because of his injuries, Magallanes has lost two fingers and much of his vision and hearing. He also has chronic kidney problems that will soon require him to be on dialysis.

"Staying healthy and active lets me keep my body the way it is for as long as I can," Magallanes said. "Someday soon, I want to go to the Paralympics in archery. But I love sports, and these games let me keep up with that. It's a place where I can focus on my abilities, and not my disabilities."