“Competing at the USA Masters Games is an honor represented by years of hard work and training.” said Clint Pearman. Mr. Pearman is a 64-year-old track and field athlete originally from New York and later moved to Florida. His family decided to move to Florida at the age of 13 years-old to build a farm. But his late arrival that did not stop him from becoming one of the most successful track and field all-stars in the area.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Pearman
Mr. Pearman was born and raised in a family of athletes, but more specifically track and field athletes. He said, “my uncle Reggie Pearman is a track star who made it to the 1952 Olympics and my older brother Alvin Pearman, was a track star from New York in the 60’s and later made it to the NFL.” Later, his nephew, Alvin Pearman Jr., competed in track and field and then was drafted in the NFL as well.
What exactly was the pivotal point where Mr. Pearman wanted to compete in track and field? He said, “watching my older brother run track in high school and college provided me the inspiration to pursue track and field.” In fact, Mr. Pearman was more than just a track and field athlete, he also played football and basketball as well.
Nonetheless, track and field success ran in the Pearman’s family's blood. Mr. Pearman began running track and field in the late 1960’s, competing in the New York Junior Olympics. Later he became the high school pole vault champion and still to this day holds his district’s pole vault record in Florida. This is only a small glimpse of the success that Mr. Pearman has had as an athlete. He was also a state medalist taking second place in pole vaulting in 1975 prior to joining the United State Marine Corps after high school. During his time serving in the United State Marine Corps, he was only able to pole vault one more time in 1985.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Pearman
Fast forward 30 years and Mr. Pearman began to compete in track and field after taking a break from competing while serving our country. The idea of returning to track and field was to stay in great shape, but later found the love for competing again. He competed in the Seniors Track and Field Circuit where he won his age division in pole vault and then later shifted to running sprints. In fact, Mr. Pearman showed up to his first track and field meet and just watched the pole vault pit. Someone asked him if he was jumping but told them that he didn’t have a pole. Without hesitation, a pole was in Mr. Pearman’s hand, he took one warm up jump, one more jump and won his age group. This is a perfect example of the power of just showing up. Or as his daughter told him “that’s crazy Grandpa, you are going to hurt yourself and make sure your insurance is up to date.” And well, that was the last time he pole vaulted and then switched to sprints.
Mr. Pearman now focuses on running the 50-meter dash, 100-meter run and 200-meter run. When Mr. Pearman was seeing success, he said “I set my eyes on the Nation and World Championship as a way to provide the motivation to continue to train and [to stay in great shape].”
Photo Courtesy of Clint Pearman
Mr. Pearman continues to train for the upcoming 2020 USA Masters Games this summer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is thrilled to compete with some of the country's best athletes. In fact, he stated “while winning or just getting medals [is] always nice, I’m most excited about becoming a USA Masters Games Track and Field All American in the 60-64 age decision in the 50-yard sprint. While he has never competed in the USA Masters Games, he hopes this will be the first USAMG that is healthy enough to attend and compete after suffering from a quad and hamstring injury. He looks forward to competing in Grand Rapids, Michigan and hopes to qualify for the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale in May of 2022 through the California Senior Games.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Pearman
Mr. Pearman created his own Track and Field club, Flashback Track and Field, when he was unable to find a local club. He spends his training sessions with cardio, strength training, and educating himself about the importance of conditioning. As he is working to avoid any injuries in preparation for the USA Masters Games, he is also spending his time finishing up his doctorate in Health and Wellness Psychology at the University of Arizona Global Campus. As free time is sparse for Mr. Pearman, he does enjoy relaxing at the beach in California, reading books about strength training, writing, studying, speaking at events and family time.
As Mr. Pearman said, “I have learned about being a Master’s athlete, [it is important to] start slow and understand how to avoid injuries.” He is excited to compete in the 2020 USA Masters Games in Grand Rapids, Michigan and will continue to train and educate himself prior to stepping into the runner blocks.