How does a 14.05-second 60-meter dash sound? Not impressed? How about a long jump of 6-feet, 11-inches, or a pole vault of 3-7 ¼? Still not impressed? How about accomplishing these feats when you’re 80 years old?

That’s what Los Angeles resident Johnnye Valien did at the 2008 World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships, held March 17-22 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. American competitors won 91 medals at the event, including Valien’s three gold medals.

American multiple winners on the men’s side included Val Barnwell in the 50-year-old 60- and 200-meter events. In the 55-year-old category, Bill Collins won the 60, 200 and 400 while Nolan Shaheed broke the tape in the 800 and 1500. Among 70-year-olds, Robert Lida won the 60 and 200 while Mack Stewart captured the 400 and 800.

Phil Raschker (women’s 60-year-old) won an amazing six gold medals, taking the 60, 200, 60 hurdles, high jump, long jump and triple jump events. Renee Henderson (40) won the 60 and 200, Kathryn Martin (55) was impressive in distance events, winning the 800, 1500, 3000 and the 8-kilometer cross country, Marie Louise-Michelsohn (65) won the 400 and 800 while Jeanne Daprano (70) also won the 400 and 800.

Many of us will be lucky if we can walk, let alone run or jump, around a track at age 70 or 80. Congratulations to all the Masters champions.