At an age when many athletes are winding down, Sue McDonald is just getting faster. Holding 13 World Records, being an accomplished strength and running coach, and fierce competitor, Sue continues to dominate on the track—and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Most recently, Sue anchored the W60 4x800m relay team to a World Record at the USATF Masters National Championships in Huntsville, Alabama. Despite challenging race-day conditions – including high heat, intense humidity, strong headwinds, and a 50-minute wait in the call room – Sue and her teammates (Judy Stobbe, Lorraine Jasper, and Terri Rath) clocked an incredible 10:45.23, beating the previous World Record by more than 15 seconds.
“To break a world record, everything has to align,” said Sue. “The conditions were tough, but we showed up, supported each other, and ran like warriors.”
The achievement is particularly notable given the logistical and physical challenges of assembling four W60+ women who are healthy, trained, and peaking at the same time. It’s rare – and inspiring.
Sue was honored by USATF Masters with two of the organization’s highest accolades: W60 Athlete of the Year and W60 Middle Distance Female Athlete of the Year – a reflection of her remarkable success over the past year. Competing in the 60–64 age group, Sue dominated on both national and international stages. At the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, she was crowned World Champion in the 200m, 400m, and 800m – setting championship records in the 400m and 800m – and also anchored the 4x200m Mixed Relay team to a World Championship title and another championship record. At the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships, she continued her winning streak, earning the national title in the 400m and helping her relay teams set new World Records in both the 4x800m and 4x400m relays. Her outstanding performances also earned her the distinction of being ranked #1 in the world in the 400m and 800m, and #2 globally in the 200m. These awards are a fitting recognition for an athlete who continues to push the limits of what’s possible and raise the bar for Masters track and field worldwide.
As a coach, Sue’s passion extends beyond her own success. Her athlete, Roxanne Springer, also competed in Huntsville, earning a silver medal in the 400m. “I was thrilled we went 1-2 in that event,” Sue shared. “Roxanne works incredibly hard balancing her career as a college professor with high-level training.”
So what’s her secret to staying in peak condition while minimizing injury risk? One tool that’s become a game-changer in her training toolkit is the ElliptiGO stand-up bike.
“I use the ElliptiGO to cross-train for my track and field events,” Sue explains. “It gives me an incredible workout without the impact – which I’ve appreciated even more since tearing my meniscus last July. It’s helped me maintain fitness, build endurance, and stay consistent even when I needed to reduce pounding.”
The ElliptiGO isn’t just a substitute – it’s a strategic part of her regimen. By incorporating stand-up cycling into her training, Sue is able to continue performing at the highest level while giving her joints the recovery they need.
Sue McDonald exemplifies what’s possible with smart training, dedication, and the right support system. Whether she’s setting world records, guiding others to the podium, or putting in powerful miles on her ElliptiGO, Sue’s journey is a testament to lifelong athleticism – and the drive to keep chasing what’s next.
