Doug began training shortly after retirement in 1987 and began competing in 1988 at the age of 58. He spent a few years competing in the B2, (Blind, 10% sighted), category and won several OBSA Provincial and National Championships, (I have counted over 100 medals and awards). In 1990 he entered the Ontario Master-Athlete Games which was one of the first competitions at the Masters level to include disabled entries. He was initially hesitant to enter any Masters events and compete with able-bodied competitors up to this point and to his surprise won 3 gold medals. At this point he began to compete more often in Masters meets. In 1995 he won silver and bronze medals at the Ontario Championships and two more silver at the Canadian Championships. Although distance running was not his forte he ran the Tom Longboat 10K in 1995 in 59:00, under his goal of one hour. Unfortunately Doug's Masters career and life was cut short in 1997 when he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. In early 1998 Doug passed away in his hometown of Sarnia, Ontario.
- L. Helwig, 1999
helwig@rocketmail.com
