Myles Marshall and Irene Obera Named USATF 2014 Youth and Masters Athletes of the Year

by: USATF.org
December 1, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS — Myles Marshall and Irene Obera are the 2014 Youth and Masters Athletes of the Year, USATF announced Monday.

Marshall earns 2014 USATF Youth Athlete of the Year after taking home gold at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

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Marshall began the race with a confident pace and immediately took the lead after the opening curve. He ran confidently at the front of the pack for the entire first lap. At the bell, competitors began making their moves to takeover the lead. Despite falling into third place entering the back straightaway, he pushed forward to regain the lead on the final turn.

Marshall maintained his stride for a finish in 1:49.14, improving his IAAF World Junior Championships time by more than four seconds. For his efforts, he was named USATF Athlete of the Week.

Marshall was one of only a handful of athletes to compete for Team USA at both the IAAF World Junior Championships and the Youth Olympic Games. Marshall ran 1:53.98 in the qualifying heats in Eugene.

Myles Marshall at 2014 Youth Olympics Myles Marshall at 2014 Youth Olympics

Obera had a phenomenal 2014, setting World and American records at both the 2014 USATF Masters Indoor and Outdoor Championships.

Obera’s run at the 2014 USATF Outdoor Championships saw her set records in the 400 meters (1:39.92), 80m hurdles (19.77), long jump (2.94m/9-7.75), 100 meters (16.81), 200-meter hurdles (42.24) and 200 meters (36.80).

Breaking four records and taking three national titles in just one weekend, Obera was named USATF Athlete of the Week after her phenomenal performances at the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships.

With new World and American record times in three running events, Obera took titles in the W80 division for the 60, 200 and 400 meters. Masters records are ratified annually in December. She finished the 60m in 10.37, won the 200m in 36.53 and defeated the quartermile field with her time of 1:34.25.

Not to be overlooked, Obera was also impressive in the throws, surpassing the current shot put record with her mark of 6.76m/22-2.25. She was eventually overtaken in the event and finished as runner-up, but ended her weekend with three national titles despite not competing in a national championship in three years. Obera, who had not raced in the 400m since the 1990s, came out of her retirement because her competitive nature compelled her to do.

Marshall and Obera will be honored Thursday evening at the USATF Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction as part of USATF’s Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.

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