Connect with us

Running/Track

FIRST PERSON: OLYMPIAN WALKER BACK AFTER 22 YEARS

1988 Olympic marathoner returns to Guam to visit.

By James Walker

After getting married in 2000, my wife (Emily) and I left Guam for Massachusetts where I wanted to be closer to my parents. We immediately resumed our careers: me in insurance claims; my wife in teaching.

I continued my running and was still able to race marathons consistently between 3:15-3:19 through my mid 50’s. Like many, I encountered health problems and can no longer run.

James Walker (right) was able to meet up with old running friends such as Fred Schumann and his wife Bernie during his visit back to Guam.

I gained a desire to return to Guam after my retirement in 2018. Earlier this year when the island opened up more to visitors we booked our trip. My excitement peaked as we walked out from the airport.

I did not forget the major roads 22 years later while driving around in our rental because of the years of running on Guam. I saw lots of building changes whether newer businesses replaced storied ones, brand new structures and very tired looking buildings, perhaps due to the pandemic and other economic changes.

I was disappointed to drive by a couple of schools one morning only to find their gates locked which made me wonder how can the locals train on the track. Back in the day, I was able to train on the JFK track without incident. Oh well, there may be another side that I haven’t considered so no further comments.

Just about everything else was positive and special. I was able to meet up with some friends. We enjoyed fabulous food at Guam restaurants and we eagerly ate some local foods which we don’t get in MA. We drove around the southern loop and the views were as spectacular as ever and definitely world class. We were able to be still and enjoy multiple sunrises and sunsets on the island.

‘I feel complete with this visit.’

– Guam Olympic runner James Walker
James and Emily Walker visit Guam for the first time since 2000.

I have always been thankful to have been a member of Team Guam at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. I tried my best to give back including being Guam Running Club President for three years and being an officer of the Guam Track and Field Association.

As we leave, Guam remains a special place in my heart, and, I will continue to promote Guam wherever I may be.

Ad

GPS Sports Calendar

June

July 2025

August
SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Events for June

1st

Events for July

2nd

Events for July

3rd

Events for July

4th

Events for July

5th

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Events for July

6th

Events for July

7th

Events for July

8th

Events for July

9th

Events for July

10th

Events for July

11th

Events for July

12th

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Events for July

13th

Events for July

14th

Events for July

15th

Events for July

16th

Events for July

17th

Events for July

18th

Events for July

18th

No Events
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Events for July

19th

No Events
Events for July

20th

No Events
Events for July

21st

No Events
Events for July

22nd

No Events
Events for July

23rd

No Events
Events for July

24th

No Events
Events for July

25th

No Events
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Events for July

26th

No Events
Events for July

27th

No Events
Events for July

28th

No Events
Events for July

29th

No Events
Events for July

30th

No Events

COMING SOON …

FD Alumni Basketball Tournament Playoffs

 

QUICK HITS

Guam Volleyball Federation Referee Delegation for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Referees were able to certify in both Beach and Indoor Volleyball.
L-R: (front row) Kohl Laguna, Jay Cruz, Kadance Sablan, Jim Reyes, Logan Pangelinan; (back row) Jack, Hattig, Ray Mesngon, Joe Aquino, Chris Shepherd, PJ Pangelinan
————————————————–
Guam’s Jeremiah Camacho shot a perfect game at the 48th Hong Kong Open. The 22-year-old Guam National Team Member shot his 18th career perfect game on lanes 1 and 2 at Top Bowl Lanes in Hong Kong.

More in Running/Track