Gundars Kaupins

by Margaret Oliver

I have a problem with Gundy. I can't make him brag about himself. I can solve that problem, though, I'll do it for him. Ever since I have been a walker, Gundy was "the man". He was a racewalking judge, he was a first place finisher, he was generous in sharing his knowledge, he was approachable. He was a chivalrous racewalker.

Born in Minnesota, Gundy was a first-generation US citizen of Latvian immigrants. He is bi-lingual, speaking Latvian at home with relatives. His extended education led him to receiving his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. Gundy is now a full professor i the College of Business, Department of Management at Boise State University (I was his student years ago!). He is a guest lecturer at the University of Latvia and plans to make many more trips to Latvia to continue teaching and visiting relatives.

Gundy started racewalking in September 1989 inspired by a friend who was a member of the TVFW. Gundy practiced for 3 weeks with no training whatsoever in racewalking, and in October 1989, finished second overall in the men's 5K at the Barber to Boise race.

In Gundy's first five to six years as a racewalker, he finished second or third overall in most races. He had a pace of 8:15 in a race, and still didn't take first. These days, and in my entire history of knowing Gundy as a racewalker, he is the top finisher in every race.

Gundy likes sports of all forms, and he likes competition. In one race he was in fourth place coming into the last mile. Gundy pushed himself beyond anaerobic, to near death and took second place. He even raced with a broken toe. Gundy is a true and gracious competitor. He will use every ounce to push himself, and he will appreciate his competitors' efforts as well.

Gundy likes the races because the preparation gives him motivation reo remain consistent in exercise. His first live is golf and he has a handicap of 12. I'm no golf expert, but I know a lot of people with 50+ handicaps. In his modest way, Gundy discouraged me in being impressed with his 12 handicap (I suspect he is in the process of whittling it down a little more). Gundy rides his bike daily, plays racquetball, tennis and lifts weights.

If I had to choose only one image of Gundy, it would be him standing at the finish line of the race, encouraging the racewalkers who approach the end, giving them a smile and a "good job" to help us over the line. You make racewalking a positive activity, Gundy. You're "the man".