Heath ranking stems from a performance on Oct. 8, when, competing at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, Heath tossed a 1-kilogram discus 99 feet, 6 inches to win gold.
Heath’s throw broke the Games record of 98 feet, which was set in 1992. The throw also placed him at the top of the World Masters Rankings among discus throwers in his age division.
“Throwing is great, and it keeps me out of mischief,” Heath said. “I have a good time.”
While discus tends to be Heat’s specialty, the Dolores resident also placed first in the shot put at this year’s Games with a throw of 32 feet, 10½ inches. The shot put event was held on Oct. 6.
More than 10,600 athletes competed in this year’s Games, which are open to individuals over the age of 50. The 2014 games included 27 sports, including a full array of track and field events. All 50 states and 50 foreign nations were represented.
“(The Games) are always great,” said Heath. “They run a super meet, and they have lots of volunteers. It’s well-staffed and it’s well-run.”
To prepare for competitions, Heath practices in a discus arena that he constructed in his sheep pasture. He tosses light discuses to improve his speed and heavy discuses to improve his strength.
“I train five or six days a week,” said Heath. It depends on how my old bones feel.”
Heath began training last year at the behest of his son Steve, a local resident who competes in Masters Swimming competitions.
“Steve and I got to talking about the discus, and he know I used to throw it,” said Melvin. “Next thing I know, I get two discuses in the mail that (Steve) bought for me. “He said, ‘go out there and throw them,’ so that’s what I did.”
Because of the cost of traveling, Heath limits the number of competitions he attends to one or two per year. He will next compete in the Moab Senior Games, Nov. 5-8.
Heath said that he plans to continue competing as long as he can. He also hopes to hold on to his world ranking in the future.
“I like it here,” Heath said an interview last year. “What I like about living in this area is that a traffic gridlock is two cars and a stop sign. I moved here for the slower lifestyle, and I’m thankful that I did.”