Latvian veteran athlete wins two gold medals at Baltic Championship
Andris Dainis, a veteran athlete from Valka municipality, won two gold medals in the 800m and 5000m at the Baltic Open Masters Athletics Championship in Pärnu, Estonia. The event drew athletes from 15 countries, with more than 100 competitors representing Latvia.
Over the recent weekend, the Estonian city of Pärnu hosted the Baltic Open Athletics Championship for masters, or veteran athletes. Representing Latvia and the Valka municipality in the V75 age group was experienced athlete Andris Dainis, who delivered a highly successful performance.
Dainis claimed two gold medals — in the 800-metre race he became champion, finishing ahead of a competitor from Spain, while in the 5000-metre event he beat a rival from Israel. In both distances, he faced only one opponent each.
The championship brought together seniors from the Baltic states and other parts of the world, with a total of 15 countries represented. Latvia was represented by more than 100 participants. According to Dainis, this championship is the most prestigious event for Baltic veteran athletes, ranking above it are the European and World Championships. He praised the high level of organization and the wide range of disciplines on offer, as well as the convenient geographic proximity between Valka and Pärnu.
Training and support
To maintain his physical form, Dainis trains three to four times a week — running, roller-skiing and cycling in summer — while also watching his diet and practicing moderation. He noted that participation fees for competitions keep rising, but this has not stopped him from competing and covering his own expenses.
Regarding municipal support for athletes, Dainis said the Valka municipality does try to help, though in the current financially difficult situation resources are limited and it is not easy to meet the needs of all the sports practiced in such a small municipality.
Looking ahead, Dainis already has a future goal in mind — every year on May 1st he takes part in a run around Lake Viljandi in Estonia, and when he turns 80, it will mark his hundredth consecutive such run.
