Four Reasons Not to Underestimate an Elderly Athlete

Featured Article, Fitness, Healthy Aging, Motivation, Senior Health
on July 17, 2013
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“Senior citizen.” It’s a dreaded designation, one that most people of-a-certain-age are reluctant to accept, and understandably so—more often than not, the title connotes frailty, weakness and other qualities associated with old age. But this summer, 10,000 elite athletes from around the nation will flock to Cleveland, Ohio from July 19to August 1to compete in the National Senior Games. Strong, powerful and fiercely competitive, these men and women will give new meaning to the word “senior.”

Sponsored by Humana, the biennial National Senior Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world devoted to seniors. Sporting events include cycling, swimming, triathlon, tennis, golf, racquetball and more, with contestants ranging from age 50 into their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.

Although the competition will be intense, the event is above all a celebration of health, wellness and strength at any age. We recently spoke to four incredible athletes who will be sprinting, jumping and hurdling their way to glory in July’s Senior Games, proving that you’re never “too old” to follow your dreams.

The Pole-Vaulting Great-Grandmother

She’s a Running Machine

Running Against All Odds

A 90-Year-Old Track and Field Sensation