Jose Cesteros article (MO)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://columbiamissourian.com/sports/story.php?ID=20397

Jose Cesteros, 74, sits on the bench next to the pole vault pit, watching mostly younger athletes in front of him take their practice vaults. He doesn’t take a turn, choosing to save his energy for the turns that count.

Although he has never warmed up before a pole vaulting event, Saturday, Cesteros especially can’t afford to hurt himself before Missouri State Senior Games officials even start writing down scores.

The bar in front of him is only 4-feet high, and just getting over that seemingly simple height will be enough for Cesteros’ bowed left knee.

His face winces just walking to his starting point. His knee is covered in elastic wrap and athletic tape because he left his knee brace at home in Leon, Iowa.

“I can run at top speed with the brace,â€Â