“Triple-Digit Comeback” – April 2017 Athlete of the Month

  Julia Hawkins, 101, Baton Rouge, Louisiana As we often say, it’s never too late to get into The Games. It’s also never too late to set and pursue goals. This year, NSGA’s poster child for these axioms is 101-year-old Julia Hawkins, who decided to try competitive running at the 2017 National Senior Games presented

Spirited Competitor

Lee Stadem, 89, Sioux Falls, South Dakota You might say Leroy “Lee” Stadem has a reverence for sports and fitness. He believes that keeping active is a necessary component to living a full life mentally and spiritually, and he considers himself a humble example for others to follow. A big reason for this modesty is

Still Rollin’

Hazel Hassen Bey, 93, Montclair, New Jersey In sports, sometimes the story is about amazing feats of skill and glory. Other times, it is about how an athlete overcomes obstacles to persevere in an inspiring display of courage. Frequently, such challenges come off the field of play, as in the case of Hazel Hassen Bey.

“Motivated by a Memory” – March 2017 Athlete of the Month

  Whitman “Pete” Cross, 85, Charlottesville, Virginia During this 30th anniversary year, NSGA has asked athletes to send in their favorite “Memories of the Games” to share on our website and on our National Senior Games Instagram and Facebook pages. One came from a brand-new competitor whose memory goes back to 1987. An excerpt: “I never realized until

Running in Style

Running in Style – Ann McGowan, 92, Providence, Rhode Island It’s always good to look your best. For Ann McGowan, it’s essential, even when she’s competing as a senior athlete. That’s because Ann was a hairdresser, cosmetology instructor and salon owner for more than 40 years. As a youngster, she discovered her love and aptitude for

Roy’s Run

Roy Englert, 94, Springfield, Virginia For a man who didn’t start running until after he was 50, Roy Englert has made up for lost time. In fact, the level of fitness he has achieved as a senior athlete has undoubtedly added to his time on earth. At 94, the retired U.S. Treasury employee isn’t contemplating

“Bringing the Heat” – February 2017 Athlete of the Month

  Ronnie Lakatos, 56, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ronnie Lakatos has always promoted physical fitness, both as an individual and through a long career as a coach and parks and recreation manager in south Florida. Five years ago, with retirement approaching, she started talking up the idea of having a senior basketball team with her friend

“I Guess I’m a Creature of Habit”

Jordan Wolle, 89, Las Cruces, New Mexico No one loves water more than Jordan Wolle. That could be the setup for a joke, given that he has lived most of his life in arid New Mexico. However, he is quick to state his opinion that there are more good swimmers per capita there than most

Both Feet on the Floor

George Freeman, 86, Foley, Alabama There are just some people in the world that catch you by surprise. When you first meet George Freeman, he doesn’t strike you as an outgoing, gregarious person. He possesses an unassuming and good-natured personality that puts people at ease, and he is a good listener. However, once he starts

“Banner Year, Bright Future” – January 2017 Athlete of the Month

  Sue McCarthy, 53, South Portland, Maine Spectators and the media frequently spend more time lauding the accomplishments of our oldest athletes, and they are truly worthy of the attention. On the other hand, there are also equally impressive performances in the youngest sport age divisions. Case in point: Maine sprinter Sue McCarthy, whose first