Mike McCarty. Born April 2, 1945. Citizen of the U.S.A. Gold medallist, 55-59, 2000 ITU World Duathlon Championship. BS, Providence College, Pre-Med. O.P.D., Massachusetts College of Optometry. Resident of the greater Boston metropolitan area. Married to Laura, four adult children. Self-employed optometrist. Track and cross-country in high school and college. PR's include 4:15 for 1500 meters, 32:33 for 10k, 2:36 for marathon. New England Catholic Mile Champ, 1963. Discovered triathlon in 1985, after ten-year hiatus from sports. Dislikes swimming, so soon found way to sport of duathlon. Has competed in last 10 national championships and every world championship since 1993. Second four times at nationals, but 2000 worlds was first time on the top step of a championship podium. Assesses strength as consistent hard work, rarely taking a day off. Weakness is diet: "For a small frame, I eat too much, and often times not the best things". In early race, forgot to remove his helmet in the second transition - and not wanting to get a penalty for discarding equipment, kept it on to the finish. Most influenced by father, who died at a very young age: "He was the most intelligent and caring person I've ever known." Loves early rock and roll, hates squash.