The Book On The 3 Ds And The Stories Behind Masters Track & Field Stars

Graham Broyd (fourth from the right) with the US 4x400 team at the 2024 World Masters Athletic championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Graham wrote a book about terrific athletes, and he says those athletes are powered by camaraderie in Masters track, not just individual accomplishment.

By Ray Glier

Graham Broyd hitch-hiked across America. He spent a summer night in Death Valley, Ca., without a drop of water and lived to tell about it. Graham competes in Masters track with nine toes, the result of a nasty water skiing accident. 

He knows a thing, or two, about what is required of elite Masters athletes, the 3 Ds of desire, discipline, and drive.

Graham's recently released book "Faster Than You At 60"is a collection of portraits of Masters Track & Field stars who shine because they took talent handed down (genes) and merged it with the 3 Ds. 

"They all have tremendous drive, a desire and discipline to succeed that, frankly, could have been applied anywhere in life, but because they had some inherent talent to sprint and jump, they applied that discipline and desire and drive to track and field," said Broyd, who Geezer Jock profiled in 2025.

What sets apart the track & field athletes Graham profiles from later-in-life athletes in, for instance, golf or basketball, is that Masters track athletes are reaching for the trophy on the top shelf worldwide.

"A lot of people in their 50s and 60s are playing sport, but none of those people are doing their sport in an attempt to be the very best in America or the world, which a large group of masters athletes are doing," Broyd said. "They are competing, not just participating."