Senior challenges status quo with track and field victory

GUELPH – Athlete and recovering addict Steve Baldamus returned home victorious after competing in the Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships in Toronto on March 7.

The 65-year-old Guelph resident brought home a gold medal in the indoor pentathlon as well as silver and bronze in hurdle events.

“It was a combined Canadian and Ontario indoor meet and they had over 1,000 athletes participating,” said Baldamus.

“This is for masters. So the youngest they had was 35 [years old].”

Masters competitions are hosted by Athletics Canada and provide competitive and recreational opportunities for athletes aged 35 and older. 

Competition is organized in age groups  with five-year spans (35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, etc.), allowing athletes to continue developing and competing throughout their athletic careers with those in a similar life stage.

Baldamus told the Advertiser competition day was especially challenging,  as the events were scattered throughout the nine-hour day.

“The outdoor version usually can get done in like three to four hours, because there’s not a lot of people ... usually it starts at five and ends about 8:30,” said Baldamus.

He added that’s “just enough time to catch your breath and go to the next one. But having it so long, it was so tiring.”

Baldamus is a recovering meth addict and has found solace and sobriety in being active and competing in track and field events.

“I’m a recovering drug addict so this is what keeps me going and keeps me alive and keeps me out of trouble,” he said.

Baldamus has been clean for six years now. 

Drugs became a part of his life after he had to stop working due to a double hernia at age 52.

“I was sinking pretty fast, and I saw a picture of myself. I said, ‘You know what? I gotta do something, or I’m going to die,’” he said.

“I was I was looking like I was 80 years old. I was just in very sad shape, because meth is a terrible drug. It feels good, but it eats away your body.” 

In terms of training and staying active, Baldamus told the Advertiser he swims about four times per week and works out in the gym roughly three to four times per week, not to mention a weekly yoga class to relax and maintain flexibility. 

“You just gotta keep moving ... once you stop moving, the rust settles in,” he said.

Baldamus encourages those 35 and older to get involved in sports and compete with others of a similar age.

Those interested in competing can visit trackie.com for more information.