November 2026 Athlete of the Month
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller
This Athlete of the Month story is brought to you by Uber, proud supporter of the National Senior Games.
Mike Chen, 55
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Road Race
Mike Chen and his mom, Ying Chen, pose with their medals earned at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Photo courtesy Mike Chen.
For Mike Chen, life is about choosing adventures. When he unexpectedly qualified for his first National Senior Games, embracing the opportunity led to meaningful connections and a special journey with his mom.
You’re a busy doctor who has managed to find time to run 11 marathons over three decades as a recreational runner. You’re turning 50 and find out the local 5K you recently ran qualified you for the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. You’re looking for something new and the idea is intriguing. What do you do?
If you’re Mike Chen, you decide to train and compete in Road Race for the first time at the national level. Then, you convince your 82-year-old mother, Ying Chen, who is healthy but has no sports history, to come along and compete in the Power Walk events.
“When I got the email that I qualified, I’m like, ‘Well, it’s cool, but I’m 50, I don’t wanna be a senior, no offense,’” Mike recalls. “Then I looked into it and it’s a pretty big deal with all kinds of sports. Life is about choosing adventures, and I’ve never qualified for anything on a national front. So, let’s give it a try.”
With school-aged children playing sports at home, his wife, Irene, was not able to travel in May to Fort Lauderdale, so Mike called his retired mother living in Columbus, Ohio. “I thought maybe mom wants to come down to see me. And then as I was looking at sports, I realized there’s also a category called power walking, and you don’t have to qualify for it.”
Instead of thinking her son was crazy to ask her to enter a race, Ying liked the idea, and their new adventure took life.
Four years and three National Senior Games later, both have improved times and won medals. Mike went from earning ribbons in 2022 to winning Road Race 10K gold and 5K silver in his age group at the 2025 Games. Ying has also improved her times and won bronze in both the 1500M and 5K Power Walk in the women’s 80-84 division last year.
“As a cardiologist, I see a lot of people her age that are not active and can barely walk, and she’s out there competing and moving and exercising,” Mike says. “Just to see her power walking fills my heart with pride and joy. “
Left: Mike Chen competing in Road Race at the 2023 Games. Right: Ying Chen competing in Power Walk at the 2025 Games.
Fun and Friendships Beyond the Finish Line
At first, Mike and Ying did not know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised with their experience at the National Senior Games. Making new friends in a welcoming environment, taking in attractions and eating the local cuisine have filled their visits while at The Games. They were also both inspired by the torch run at the Flame Arrival Ceremony and impressed with the pageantry of the Celebration of Athletes event.
Now, after three trips, Mike and Ying appreciate how friendships have formed over time. Mike has gotten helpful tips and support from other runners, and Ying has a new group of positive-minded friends. She’s always looking to meet more, whether at sport venues, the hotel lobby or in line at the car rental.
“It’s been fantastic to spend time with my mom. I mean, you can’t take that away,” Mike says.
The Doctor’s Prescription for Healthy Aging
The decision to compete may have come on a whim, but Mike, now 55, has taken the steps to ensure both of them are properly trained for their races. Ying walks her neighborhood and attends gym classes regularly, and Mike found a training program best suited for his 5K and 10K distance training. He also joined a local running club after connecting with Lisa Levin, a gold and silver medalist from his hometown, at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. “I was surprised to get to know other athletes from my area, like Kam Yee who lives just a few miles away from me.”
Mike Chen running in the 10K Road Race at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
The real challenge for Mike is fitting exercise and training into a demanding work schedule as Dr. Michael Chen. “I typically work 8:30 a.m. until about 7 p.m., so it’s pretty long days. And of course, there’s an on-call schedule about every fifth night,” he explains. “So I have to work out early before going in.”
As both an athlete and a doctor, Mike sees many valuable benefits from participating in Senior Games. “Just the fact that you’re active is probably one of the best things you can do for your health,” he observes. “Diet and exercise will help with your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and your mental status. Along with that is the bonds you make as you become friendly with competitors you see year and year again.
“It’s also good as one gets older to have goals to train for, goals you want to attain,” he continues. “My mom and I are looking forward to going to Tulsa in 2027 and it’ll also prompt us to maintain, and hopefully even get in even better shape.’
His final advice to others is reflected in his own dedication to fit his exercise and training into his professional schedule. “People say they’re busy with careers, with family, caring for elders, caring for kids, but with all due respect, I think you can always try to find the time,” Mike states.
“It may mean taking away time on the iPad or watching TV, but that’s actually a good thing,” he adds. “It provides an outlet to clear your mind and you feel better with the endorphins. Like a walking sport, take it one step at a time, and who cares how you do? It’s about finishing.”
Ready to say yes to your next adventure? Anyone 50+ can participate in Open Events like Power Walk, Climbing or Cornhole at the 2027 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Like Mike and Ying, you may discover that the journey is even better when shared.