All things considered, perhaps the most remarkable Island athlete is 53-year-old Ocean Eversley of Vineyard Haven.
Not only does Ocean compete in track and field meets at an age when many of her contemporaries are thinking of retiring from much less arduous activities, she competes successfully. She wins.
Ocean is the New England and National champion in the 60-meters, 200-meters, and 400-meters races as well as the long jump.
She is currently training for the Penn Relays, April 28 and 29, when, as a member of the New England Mass Velocity Track Club, she will attempt to help break the Masters Women’s National records in the 4×100- and 4×400-meter relays.
Ocean also has her eyes on the July, 2011, World’s Athletic Masters Track and Field Championships at Sacramento, California, where she will vie for the world’s title in the individual 200- and 400-meter races and run a leg in the 4×400-meter relay.
Another aspect of her singular accomplishments is that a year ago she was stricken with a thyroid condition that sidelined her, preventing her from all but the most modest physical exercise.
By sheer determination and hard work she has recovered her health and returned to the pursuit of track and field eminence.
Ocean will need support and help to meet the costs of entry fees and travel, and off-Island room and board.
Ocean is coached by the eight-time open 800-meter national Track and Field Champion and Olympian Khadevis Robinson.
She may be reached at oceaneversley@aol.com or 608-606-3535.
