Jeff Benjamin, Charlie Zipprich, Ray Flynn, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Jeff Benjamin sent questions to manager, meet director and famous Irish Miler, Ray Flynn. Ray Flynn is still the Irish NR holder at 3:33.5 at 1,500m, and has PBs of 3:49.77 for mile, 7:41.60 at 3000m, and 13:19.52 at 5000m. Ray competed in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics at 5000m. Ray Flynn has made the Millrose Games pretty special over the last decade.
The editor of RunBlogRun adds a story here: “Ray Flynn was one of the first elite athletes I had met. In 1980, at the RW Indoor Meeting, I held sweats for Ray Flynn, John Walker and Ray Wicksell. After the mile, Ray cooled down and let me run with him. It was a thrill for me, then 20, and having just run a 3000m the night before. Ray Flynn has a wicked sense of humor and has always been a class act.”
Updated 1 April 2020
Awaiting The Baton In The Relay Exchange Zone – Profiles Of Athletes, Coaches & Legends During The War Against Corona
Profile # 5 –
Runner, Coach, Agent, Millrose Games Meet Director Ray Flynn
By Jeff Benjamin
“My daily routine like everyone else I’m sure has changed dramatically. No traveling.We are constantly working with our athletes and events in preparation for competitions which have now dried up. Now we are like everyone else sitting and waiting for life to normalize. We know that sport won’t start up again until people can go about their business safely Where I live, a little more time for running
” My advice to all is to take time to reflect, look around and appreciate your family and loved ones.
It is a privilege to be an athlete. God gave you so much to be thankful for.
This shut down will pass and you will have a bright new outlook to help you grow and be your very best!”
Ray Flynn, photo from Independent.ie (copyright)
Author
Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.
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