The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN a comeback after an eight-year hiatus, Michael Armbrister made an impression at the Florida Senior Games earlier this month at the Miramar Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida.

“It was my return to the meet. I didn’t train much for it, but I was very pleased with the performance,” said Armbrister, a doctor in holistic medicine and sports therapy.

Armbrister, 62, clocked one minute and two seconds for his victory in the men’s 60-64 400 metres, well ahead of runner-up James Zeetehkenz, who did 1:07.33.

Armbrister also clocked 2:29 for his victory in the 800m as well, holding off his nearest rival Adam Goldstein, who did 2:47.

Armbrister, however, missed out on a hat trick after he placed second in the long jump with a leap of 4.95 metres or 16-feet, 2-inches.

Brian Hankerson denied Armbrister his third title, winning the event with a distance of 5.41m (17-8).

“The funny thing is I used the 800m as a warm up for the 400m,” Armbrister revealed. “Twenty minutes later, I ran the 400m. I also did the long jump and got second place behind Ryan Harrison, one of the top jumpers in the world.”

Armbrister, one of two Bahamians participating in the meet, said the masters is a way of allowing the athletes to continue their track career after their competitive days are over and done with.

Dr Brian Humblestone was the other Bahamian to compete, placing fourth in the 100m and second in the 200m.

“If you are in the gym doing any type of recreational training or fitness, the masters programme is good for you to test your ability,” said Armbrister as he encourages more Bahamians to get involved in their post career. “I used it as my cardio-check. It’s good for me to check my heart and physical fitness. That’s why I go to measure my level against the best in the world. You take five-six years off without any training, once you get in some type of shape, you can go there and compete.”

As one declines in age, Armbrister said the masters enables one to renew the competitive juices that existed in the past and also to meet new individuals from all around the world who are also competing well beyond their prime in the sport.

Come January, 2020, Armbrister is hoping to compete again, this time in his first indoor meet as a master competitor.

“I used to open up in Gainesville, but I’m looking forward to competing in one in Florida,” he said. “Hopefully, this will help me to get ready to compete in a few more meets in the new year. I just want to stay competitive out there.”