Legends at the Millrose Games

Just a few images taken at the 100th Milrose Games Legends press conference held at Madison Square Gardens earlier today. These runners are a few of the heroes I grew up with and still look up to. What an honor!

Diane Dixon was the most approachable and pleasant of the bunch, which is saying a lot given how amiable all were. Dixon, a retired 400-meter sprinter and an Olympic gold medalist in 1984, won Millrose a record eight times during her career. Her first title came at the age of 16 when she ran as a "provisional" athelete. Today, Dixon runs an integrated fitness/health/math/writing/balance/agility - you name it - program of her own design within the PE department of her son's school.

Eamonn Coghlan was on hand, which was only fitting given his title of "Chairman of the Boards" while a competitor at Milrose, a name given to him in honor of his dominance at the famed Wanamaker Mile.

Mary Decker Slaney still hasn't officially retired but is out with multiple injuries. As she said, "I am my happiest when running." According to the USATF website, Slaney continues to own the U.S. women's records in the 1500 (3:57.12), mile (4:16.71) and 3000 (8:25.83)

Howard Schmertz, who served as Meet Director of the Millrose Games from 1975 to 2004, will be inducted into the Millrose Games Hall of Fame tonight. He participated in the press conference at the urging of Eamonn, Mary and Diane. Their banter and great stories evidenced the collegiality and good memories shared by staff and runners in during and after their careers.

Yelena Isinbayeva, the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist in the women's pole vault spoke of her desire to break the world record when she competes tomorrow night.