Career
In 1976 he managed to make the finals in the 100 metres at the United States Olympic Trials, finishing last which qualified him for the relay pool, though he never ran in the Olympics. That team"s 38.03 was the world record in the event for almost 6 years. He was ranked #7 in the United States top ten at 200 metres in 1977 and 1975 At 100 metres he was near the bottom of the top ten 1974-1976
Collins holds five current Masters World Records, including three age groups of the 100 metres.
In a class by himself he is rarely beaten, except when injured.
In 2003 he was voted into the Masters Division of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Geezerjock Magazine name him their inaugural "Geezerjock of the Year" in 2005.
In 2007 he was named "World Masters Athletics Masters Athlete of the Year" which was presented at the IAAF gala in Monaco. At his first major meet after turning 60, Collins set the world indoor record in the M60 200 metres and 400 metres.
He was named USATF "Athlete of the Week" amongst all age divisions.
He had received the same citation almost exactly five years earlier after his first major competition after entering the previous age division and setting world records. In 2011, Collins suffered paralysis to his legs, rendering him unable to walk. lieutenant was later diagnosed as Guillain–Barré syndrome.
As inexplicable as the disease"s cause, was his recovery.
After spending the 2011 season (when the World Masters Athletics Championships were held in the United States) in a wheelchair, in early 2012 "Superman" came roaring back to set a new indoor world record in the M60 60 metres at the United States of America Indoor Masters Championships.
