Former KU Sprinter Bob Lida Breaks Two World Records

Jan. 24, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Kansas track and field athlete, Bob Lida, who was a sprinter for the Jayhawks from 1957-59, made headlines two weeks ago when he broke the 75-to-80 Master’s division World Records in both the 60 meters and 200 meters at the Herm Wilson Invitational in Wichita, Kan., on Jan. 12.

Lida, who is originally from Mission, Kan., ran the 60 meters in a time of 8.49, topping the previous World Record of 8.62 held by Germany’s Wolfgang Reuter. Moments later, Lida would smash Reuter’s 200-meter World Record of 29.98, again rewriting the record books with a time of 27.03.

Lida, now 75, was the 1959 Big Eight champion in the indoor 440-yard dash and collected a handful of other victories in the sprint and relay events of which he is still excelling. To this day, he has continued to collect accolades in national and international competition. He is a multi-year national and world champion at the Master’s level in the 60 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters and now boasts two World Records to his name.

Masters athletics is a class of the sport of athletics for veteran athletes in the events of track and field, road running and cross country running. The competitions feature five-year age groups beginning at age 35. Men as old as 104 and women in their 100s have competed in running, jumping and throwing events.

Lida spends much of his time training and traveling to meets across Kansas and the country, but when he isn’t preparing for his next race, he volunteers as a track coach at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita.

He will now set his sights on the USA Master’s Indoor Championships in Bloomington, Ind., March 16-18. He is slated to compete in the 60 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters. Log on to kuathletics.com to stay updated on Lida’s progress as he pursues another national title.