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El Paso Masters Sweep 6 Golds, Set Continental Records in Oslo

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 17:57 GMT by El Paso Times
      Locale: UNITED STATES

El Paso Masters Track Athletes Shine at Continental Championships

In a dazzling display of experience, endurance, and sheer determination, the El Paso Masters track team dominated the recent Continental Championships held in Oslo, Norway, on December 8–10, 2025. The team, representing the United States in the Masters Division (ages 35–40, 41–45, 46–50, 51–55, and 56–60), brought home an impressive haul of medals, breaking several national and continental records in the process.

A Record‑Setting Performance

The 2025 Continental Championships, organized by the World Masters Athletics (WMA) and broadcast live on the WMA’s official YouTube channel, brought together over 1,200 competitors from 50 countries. The El Paso squad, coached by former Olympian and current track legend Coach Carlos Rivera, arrived in the city with a clear mission: secure podium finishes for every age group while pushing the limits of what seasoned athletes can achieve.

Gold Medals (6)
1. Men’s 400 m (Age 45) – James “Jim” Henderson (El Paso High School Hall of Fame) won gold with a time of 49.12 seconds, breaking the American record for the 45‑49 age group.
2. Women’s 800 m (Age 50) – Maria Lopez, a lifelong El Paso resident and 2008 Olympic finalist, claimed gold in 2:04.56, a new continental record.
3. Men’s 10 km (Age 60) – Thomas “Tom” Sullivan, a former marathoner who retired after the 2016 Olympics, sprinted to victory in 35:12, surpassing the previous age‑group world record by 15 seconds.
4. Women’s 4×400 m Relay (Age 55) – The “Sizzling Spartans” relay team, composed of Maria Lopez, Anita Rios, Karen Mendez, and Rosa Martinez, finished in 3:20.01, a national record for the 51‑55 age bracket.
5. Men’s 110 m Hurdles (Age 45) – Javier Castillo, known for his explosive speed, clocked 15.48 seconds, a new continental best.
6. Women’s Marathon (Age 58) – Sandra “Sandy” Kim, a two‑time Boston Marathon champion, won in 2:48:30, setting a new age‑group record.

Silver Medals (4)
- Men’s 1500 m (Age 50) – Luis Hernandez, a former collegiate distance runner, earned silver in 4:05.33.
- Women’s 400 m (Age 60) – Karen Mendez took silver with a time of 53.21 seconds.
- Men’s 800 m (Age 45) – Thomas Sullivan again, finished second in 1:51.02.
- Women’s 5000 m (Age 55) – Anita Rios secured a silver in 16:55.45.

Bronze Medals (3)
- Men’s 200 m (Age 60) – Tom Sullivan finished third in 21.17 seconds.
- Women’s 400 m (Age 51) – Rosa Martinez earned bronze in 54.07 seconds.
- Men’s 4×400 m Relay (Age 45) – The El Paso squad’s “Rapid Runners” team finished third in 3:15.76, a new national record.

The Road to Oslo

El Paso’s track program, established in 2011 as part of the city’s “Healthy & Strong” initiative, has steadily risen from a local club to a national powerhouse. The 2025 Continental Championships were a culmination of months of rigorous training, community support, and strategic planning.

“We’ve built a culture of excellence over the past decade,” said Coach Rivera in an interview with the El Paso Times. “The athletes are not only trained in the technical aspects of their events but are also educated on nutrition, recovery, and mental resilience.”

The team’s preparation included training camps at the El Paso International Sports Complex, altitude training in the nearby San Antonio Mountains, and a pre‑competition warm‑up in the city’s historic Rose Garden, which offered an uplifting environment for the athletes.

Community Impact and Legacy

The team’s success has sparked a renewed interest in Masters athletics throughout El Paso. Local high schools reported a 35% increase in track and field enrollment, citing the recent championships as a source of inspiration for younger athletes. The El Paso City Council has earmarked an additional $200,000 for upgrading the track facilities to meet international standards.

Maria Lopez, who has long served as a mentor to young runners in the city, emphasized the broader significance of their victories. “It’s not just about medals,” she said. “It’s about showing people that age is just a number and that with hard work and community support, we can achieve remarkable feats.”

Looking Ahead

The El Paso Masters track team has already set sights on the upcoming World Masters Championships scheduled for 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The team’s management plans to expand their roster, recruit promising older athletes from neighboring states, and continue their partnership with the U.S. Masters Track & Field Association.

As the city’s athletic community celebrates this historic triumph, the spirit of perseverance and excellence continues to resonate. From the Rose Garden to the world’s biggest tracks, the El Paso Masters athletes have proven that true greatness is measured not only by times and distances but by the hearts that drive them forward.