Amy Hicks, 85, Needham, Massachusetts

All athletes have aches and injuries that inevitably come with athletic competition, and that is especially true for senior athletes over an extended time. Some, like Amy Hicks, have also had to overcome medical challenges that often bring careers to an end, but she has learned to persevere and even excel while living with severe arthritis for decades.

The native of Massachusetts grew up before Title IX leveled the playing field for girls, but Amy was undeterred and participated in many sports. Her passion led to a career as a physical education teacher and later as an advocate serving as Chair of Senior Fitness, Activities and Necrology for the Massachusetts Board of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for more than 20 years. She is most proud that she introduced track and field, gymnastics and lacrosse to her high school. This led to a competition career that began with AAU meets and has yielded medals, national records, and one Olympic Trials appearance.

Amy suspended competition for 26 years while raising her two children, but picked up where she left off and has been scooping up medals as a Senior Games and masters athlete. She also loves water sports and has participated for many years in synchronized swimming competitions on an international scale. Her service to the sport earned her the Mae McEwan Award, synchronized swimming’s highest honor.

As a professional, Amy was among the first to conduct an in-pool Arthritis Aquatics Program created by the Arthritis Foundation in 1983. In a strange twist of fate, when she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2003 the facilitator also became the patient as she gained therapy while leading exercises for others. A broken elbow and hip replacement surgery are also among the speed bumps she has cleared along the way.

In our conversation with Amy, she shares her sporting life history and discusses how she has managed arthritis and stayed in the game by setting an extensive exercise program for herself to build strength, flexibility and endurance. She also expresses the camaraderie and fun she has enjoyed while traveling to The Games with her “New England Bunch.”

Her advice to you is simple but resounding, and it is a common theme shared by our Personal Best athletes: Keep moving for life. If Amy Hicks can knock off the rust and still heave a hammer, there’s always something you can do to stay active and improve the quality of your life.

 

Amy, you have been one active lady! Tell us your sports history.

I was born in Medford, Massachusetts and grew up and graduated high school in Somerville in 1950. We didn’t have too many sports for the girls at that time. I played half-court basketball and softball. Girls could swim, bowl, and play tennis recreationally but that was it. This was way before Title IX.

Through a local YMCA program I learned to love gym activities, like running on indoor track, swinging on rings and climbing ropes. I also learned about water sports, and I taught swimming there while in high school.

College was interesting. I went to the Baroness Rose Posse School of Physical Education and Physiotherapy in Boston, which was a three-year school teaching Swedish gymnastics. In addition to a strong academic program, I was introduced to track and field and competitive gymnastics through AAU meets and the school’s summer camp in New Hampshire.

After three years, I got my ‘phys ed’ diploma and was Valedictorian of my class. I went on get my bachelor of science degree from the University of Maine in 1954. I kept doing AAU track events because there were no women’s team varsity sports at Maine. I thought nothing at the time about this being a man’s sport or that it would be detrimental to me physically. I loved to run, jump and throw, and we had a male coach in AAU who was like a father to all of us. And I did join the University’s modern dance and tumbling clubs and did all the class sports I could get into, like basketball, tennis, field hockey and table tennis.

After graduation, I taught physical education at Needham High School until 1963. I was proud my school was among the first to offer gymnastics to girls, and it led to gymnastics competitions for the state.  I also introduced girls lacrosse and track and field to the high school. This also led to state championships for girls track.

Did you continue to compete when you started working?

My school offered AAU gymnastics meets and I competed along with some of my students. I stayed with track and field competition while I was teaching but soon had to stop the gymnastics because it was too dangerous without a personal coach or spotter to work with me.  Then, I fell in love with a colleague who taught history, married in 1962 and started raising two kids. I had to put sports aside for 26 years.

I retired from teaching in 1976, so I began to do other things, like judging gymnastics meets and refereeing girls field hockey lacrosse games. I also started a girl’s synchronized swimming team at a local club, and I also served on the Massachusetts Board of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for over 20 years. I wrote several articles about the National Senior Games and other senior activities for their newsletters. I received all kinds of honors from my board work and just retired this year.

A high point for me was making the cover of the program for their National Physical Education Convention in Boston when I was 60. They had a contest to find a photo to fit the convention theme, which was “Take the Challenge – Go the Distance.”  I had the perfect picture of me pole vaulting to qualify at the Massachusetts Senior Games, and they selected me. When I went to the convention a lot of people asked me to autograph the cover! [Laugh]

Seems like you were destined to be in Senior Games as you grew older.

I found out about masters sports and Senior Games in 1989. The Nationals started in 1987, so I missed the first two. I checked in New England and found Rhode Island had Senior Games coming up. I knew I could certainly do the shot, javelin and discus because I had trained and competed in those events. I went and won them all, breaking their existing records. I had to wait a year to qualify to go to Syracuse for the Nationals in 1991. I’ve been with it ever since, except for 2013 when I fell and compacted my elbow three weeks before the competition.

The road hasn’t been smooth. You’ve had plenty of physical challenges.

I thought 2013 was my year to set a new hammer record. But the compacted elbow ended that dream. I tried to splint it, but you need two hands to swing the hammer. I could try using my other arm on the other events, but I couldn’t even drive. So I stayed home and took therapy instead-much to my husband’s relief!

Then, in 2017 my hip had been deteriorating and I hoped I could put off replacement surgery until after The Games in Birmingham. My team told me not to “turn” to get more distance in throws because I might fall and not be able to do my other events. So I threw all power throws-no turns or run ups- and I still went home with one gold and three silver medals. I also extended my streak to win at least one medal in every Nationals. I now have 33 in all at that level.

That shows determination, gutting it out like that. Were you concerned about coming back after the hip replacement was done?

I had people ahead of me who have done this before. I knew how much time it would take to recover so I had to time my surgery to be ready for the next summer. Annie [2017 Personal Best athlete Ann McGowan] had been through it, and I know synchronized swimmers who can now do beautiful things in the water after the operation.

I just need to be patient, not rush and do what the doctor tells me to do. I like to say, “It takes time to make fine wine.” [Laugh]

You’ve overcome a lot of injuries and maladies, but we’re told arthritis has been your constant enemy.

In the 60’s I was diagnosed with arthritis in my neck. I had also been in a moped accident in ‘85 and actually told myself then that I would probably need a hip replacement one day. The doctor gave me medications and sent me in for physical therapy and stretching exercises.

As part of my professional pursuits, I was among the first to facilitate the Arthritis Aquatics Program that was sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation back in 1983. I was in the pool nearly every day teaching these water exercises which provide full range of motion for all joints. I was an instructor trainer and did all that until 2009. The original name for this class was “Twinges in Hinges.” [Laughs]

So while you were teaching water exercise to others, you were benefiting from the therapy yourself.

Yes. Any chance I can get into the water I do it because I move so much better due to the buoyance of the water. What I can’t do on land I can do in water where I have less gravity pulling on me. It feels wonderful.

Then, in 2003 I woke up one morning with excruciating pain in my lower back. I could not stand up straight. It turned out to be spinal stenosis. What was I to do? I had all of these tournaments and Senior Games coming up, and my doctor told me I could go, but to only exert myself at 80 percent and not try to set any records. So that’s what I did. I prepared by doing exercises and keeping myself pain free through therapy in flexibility, strengthening, and endurance. On occasion I did need pain meds, but I knew exercise was the key to needing them less often.

There are still people who are afraid to move too much when they have arthritis for fear of making it worse.

It’s just the opposite of that! You need to move. Of course, the type of arthritis makes a big difference. With rheumatoid arthritis you can exercise but you don’t go as vigorously or do as much, especially if you have a flare up. Be gentle, do less repetitions.  I have osteoarthritis and need the full range of motion for all of my joints.

Today, most gyms and community centers with pools offer water aerobics so it has become very popular.

Water aerobics is not for those with severe arthritis or painful joints. Arthritis exercises are done more slowly to get the full range of motion. You don’t want to be jumping around a lot. Many times you use the wall for support, and as the class progresses there is a deep water component where the feet are off the bottom, using a “noodle” floating device. That provides an opportunity to do bicycling moves and various types of kicking, which are more stimulating.

When I was preparing for hip replacement surgery last year, I spent three months doing pool exercises. I didn’t want a class because I wanted to do specific exercises for my hip. When I could get it wet after surgery I spent another month in the pool to get my body back in shape to qualify to go to next year’s Nationals in Albuquerque, which I did in June.

I also wanted to get back in the water to see if I could get my “ballet legs” back. [Laughs]

 

You mentioned synchronized swimming earlier. Is that another big sport passion for you?

Oh yes, I’ve been in meets all over the country and the world. I got the highest honor a person can get in synchronized swimming, the Mae McEwan Award for services and contributions made to the sport.

We need more meets on a national level. I’ve been trying for years to get it into the National Senior Games. It is in some state games. We have at least 350 registered swimmers over 50 who would go.

You must know Dr. Jane Katz, who is a National Senior Games gold medalist swimmer from New York who helped get synchronized swimming into the Olympics.

I know Jane very well. She taught me how to do a foott-first dive, where you keep your head above water. It’s an awesome move and requires great timing and strength in the arms and legs to press them down at the right moment so you don’t sink.

 

Have you gotten back into your synchronized swimming yet?

No, not yet. Our national meets are always in October, which is bad timing for me to be ready. I couldn’t meet the technical requirements at this point-I need a lot more strength and endurance. Plus, I don’t have any new routines.

I used to swim in Senior Games, but there are so many events crunched together it was impossible to get to all of them, especially in the summer. I just do four throwing events now, no jumping or swimming. Financially and physically that works out just fine now.

 

If you had not pushed yourself with exercise and sports, where do you think you would you be today?

I would be in a wheelchair. I mean that literally. With my stenosis, I would not be able to move. I always tell people that the body was meant to move, and if you don’t move it, you will rust. You will stiffen up and your muscles will atrophy and weaken.

When I’m in pain, I know I have to move. I have to put my body through some range of motion or stretching. Sometimes I just bend over and try to touch my toes to stretch my whole back. Or just sit and stretch out my legs. Then I can walk another mile. [Laughs]

I have less pain now. Strength and flexibility has definitely improved. I have discovered the importance of not overdoing it. I have to pace myself in my fitness program, sit and not stand for long periods wherever possible, keep my weight under control through proper nutrition, and stretch out frequently.

What is it that most motivates you to stay in The Games?

I have a competitive spirit. It doesn’t matter what it is, I want to do my best at whatever I’m trying to do. If I’m not doing well I ask myself, “What do I need to do to improve?” That’s my mental attitude.

The Games are not just a competition either. There’s a social part, where you see people you haven’t seen in awhile. You’re competing in a sport, but the camaraderie and the friendships make it a fun thing, like with my travel mates. When I started there were about a dozen of us that called ourselves “The New England Bunch” and through the years we got to be like family. Some are retired or home bound now, but many of us just keep going. Annie McGowan was one of the “Great Eight” athletes who have competed in all 30 years of the National Senior Games starting in 1987. She lives in Rhode Island and is 94. She was one of the first athletes I met at my first Senior Games and is an awesome inspiration to me.

Are there other athletes who inspire you?

My roommate Judy Scott from Massachusetts is quite an athlete, she did everything including being designated driver. When she was very young she started to develop polio and her mother acted quickly. Her doctor made an immediate diagnosis, which probably saved her from paralysis. Judy started running at 38 and ran her first marathon at 40. Her legs have carried her far and she has been an inspiration to all of us. I honestly don’t know how she did it.

I also admire Gloria Krug from Pennsylvania. She’s in my age division and in a league all by herself. She is always a challenge to me. And of course there’s Flo Meiler from Vermont. She’s like the Energizer Bunny. She’s done well in all of the sports – running, hurdling, vaulting. All of them are inspirations to me.

You have always been active. What do you tell others who think they can’t do Senior Games sports?

I have seen a lot of people who are physically fine but have never competed. Don’t worry about being a green beginner. Pick a sport you like to do and learn the rules. Go ahead and come out to the state games, it’s the best place to start. Just come and try, you will probably find there are things you never thought you could do. That’s been true with several beginners I’ve brought in.

There are always people out there like me who are willing to help. I’ve been doing that all of my life.

Obviously, you don’t have plans to stop anytime soon.

Why would I? If I’m still having fun all I need to do is to get myself to the starting line. The rest will take care of itself!

Dick Johnson, 78, Boise, Idaho

When pickleball players see Dick Johnson’s name on their match bracket, they know they are in for a challenge. That’s because Dick’s resume includes twice medaling in all seven recognized national and world championships in one year and racking up close to 200 medals -mostly gold- in these majors and 90 sanctioned tournaments across the country.  These include Senior Games in his native Idaho, five other states, and the National Senior Games. Impressive enough, but even more so since he has done it all in only five years since first picking up a paddle.

Like many other seniors entering this rapidly-growing sport, Dick’s learning curve was quicker because he had played tennis extensively since the 8^th grade, and pickleball offers many similarities to the point that some describe it as “tennis on steroids.” Dick has won state tennis championships in each decade except one. and is one of few in the world to have played in sanctioned U.S. Opens in both tennis and pickleball. Not bad for a guy who was teased as the smallest and youngest kid in his neighborhood while growing up.

Equally impressive is that despite back fusion surgery in 1978, Dick stayed on the court to teach three of his daughters, and all became state high school tennis champions. They also competed very well in major father-daughter events, and the family enjoyed the thrill of a lifetime when he and daughter Shelly qualified to play in the 1986 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow.

However, the surgery only partially helped and persisting back pain forced him to quit tennis 20 years ago. Global travel in demanding top management positions, plus church, family and civic commitments caused Dick to become out of shape and overweight, and he knew he was in big trouble when severe Type 2 diabetes struck. He found a treatment program that helped him manage diet, lose weight and avoid insulin shots.  But, Dick still wondered how he would stay motivated and avoid exercise boredom without playing a sport competitively.

Enter pickleball.

While undergoing treatment Dick discovered “the sport with a silly name” that features a smaller court and underhand serves, which allowed him to manage pain and play. When he won his first tournament appearance at the Idaho Senior Games at age 73, Dick knew a path was opened. In fact, he believes this new pickleball passion literally saved his life. He’s gratefully given back as a founding member of the Super Seniors International Pickleball Association, which hosted 40 tournaments around the globe last year. And, he has served on a committee working on construction of a new $600,000 pickleball facility at Hobble Creek in Boise, one capable of hosting tournaments.

In our conversation with Dick, you will find he is guided by Mormon religious principles that form his bedrock and have helped him to overcome many challenges and achieve many successes. He even turned down academic and tennis scholarships and left college to go on his first Church mission for two years. He loved to serve others and deeply feels the experience prepared him to succeed and be happier in all aspects of his life.

Beyond his many accomplishments in academics, business, sports, government, and civic life, Dick Johnson testifies that his greatest successes and blessings have been devotion to God and church, his marriage of 54 years that has produced 4 children,15 grandchildren and (so far) 3 great-grand children, and his dedication to serving others. Considered with his determination to stay active, we’d say that makes for a great example of how to pursue your Personal Best!

 

Dick, you’ve had an incredible run in only five years of playing senior pickleball. But you had a jump start with tennis, right?

Yes. I won the state high school championship for three straight years, and after two years at Boise State – it was called Boise Junior College then – I was graduating first in the school of business and was offered tennis and academic scholarships elsewhere. But, I didn’t accept them and, instead chose to go on my first mission for the Mormon Church when I was 20. I was told those scholarships wouldn’t be there for me when I returned, and that’s indeed what happened. I also had to put my Air National Guard service on hold. Despite the so-called ‘sacrifice’ it was wonderful to return home in two years knowing it really wasn’t a sacrifice. Instead, I felt in debt to the Lord for the personal growth and happiness that serving others provides.

I went to BYU in Provo when I returned. I hadn’t played in a couple of years, but I challenged the number two guy on the tennis team and beat him. That got me a really good shot at making the team. But, soon after, I got the call to be a counselor in a Bishopric, so I gave up tennis again during my college years.

I started back playing tennis after I graduated from BYU, and won state championships in most decades thereafter. I continued to play, even after major back fusion surgery in 1978, mostly because I was teaching my three daughters to play. To toughen up their skills I regularly set up doubles matches to play against some of the best men in the state. They all became state high school champions. Together, we won state father-daughter titles seven times, and got to the big regional finals once with each. My second daughter, Shelly, and I won the regionals which won us a trip to play the nationals at Flushing Meadow at the U.S. Open in 1986. We played our matches in the morning and then had seats for the whole ten days to watch the pro matches. We played on the same courts, dressed in the same locker rooms as the pros, and personally met many of them. It was one of the biggest prizes in amateur sports…and the thrill of a lifetime for the whole family!

But after about ten more years of playing, the back pain was so bad I quit and didn’t do much of anything after that until I discovered this pickleball thing and entered the Idaho Senior Games about five years ago.

Wow, you created a family legacy with your tennis skills. Before moving forward, tell us how you found your athletic passion growing up.

We weren’t wealthy – we lived in a small apartment on the top floor and my bed was a cot pulled out of the attic each night and set up in the tiny kitchen. My dad rode a bike to work until I was seven. I was a skinny, small kid and the youngest in the neighborhood. I only weighed 125 pounds when I got married at 24! When I had to get glasses in the 6th grade I left them at home because I was so embarrassed to wear them, especially in front of the bigger kids in sports.

But I was naturally athletic and had a strong desire to work hard at sports to keep up with the older kids. My dad and mom had to drag me in each night from the dirt court and hoop in our driveway. I loved sports from Day One and played baseball, basketball, football, you name it. I didn’t start tennis until the 8th grade. I ran back and forth between baseball games and tennis matches that were held in the same season.

Sounds like you had some tough times as a kid.

Yes. Though popular and a high achiever in academics, sports, and student government, I was also the ‘Mormon kid’ who wouldn’t join in the smoking, drinking, partying, and even some drugs that all started around the 7th grade. When I was around ten, some of the older kids in the neighborhood would tie me up in the branches of a tree that was taller than the houses. Pretty scary. There was other stuff because there was some jealousy that my sports ability was enabling me to catch up to the older kids.

The hurt feelings were many as I became more and more left out of parties and other activities. I’ll never forget one of those experiences that left me confused and hurt. It occurred when I was the baseball team captain and one of the star players. In the championship game, I scored the winning run and my throw to home cut off the other team’s chance to beat us. I was surrounded by cheers and slaps on the back. But, then, I learned afterwards that I was again not invited to a party later that evening.  They were some of my best friends.

But, it made me stronger and helped drive the development of my abilities.

So pickleball was easier on your back so you could continue to play sports?

Pickleball saved my life literally because I had gotten way out of shape and developed a serious Type 2 Diabetes situation. We went down to Arizona and found a medical treatment that I followed rigorously. After several months, I dropped my A1C blood level from a horrific 12, when it was first diagnosed, down to a controllable 6.0. I lost 40 pounds, was able to put off insulin, and concurrently found this fun game with a silly name. Tennis players pick it up pretty quickly, and it was a real motivation for me to find a sport I could do and really love.

My first tournament was at the Idaho Senior Games where I played and won at tennis, pickleball, and table tennis. Because of the back pain, I threw the old tennis racquet back into the closet until the next year. But, I kept playing pickleball because you serve underhand which is not as big a strain on the back.

It’s also a smaller footprint to cover than a tennis court.

Right. I play two to three times a week and I’d play every day but for the back pain. For most years since, I’ve again drug the old tennis racquet out for a few days and won events in the Senior Games. I’ve also won at table tennis. But, pickleball and the Senior Games has been the greatest blessing for me because I play all year round.

You know, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America, it’s just exploding. Some call it ‘tennis on steroids.’ Among the older and now younger people entering the game you find Olympians, NCAA champions, Davis Cuppers, tennis pros, people who played at Wimbledon…the competition keeps getting tougher and tougher.

When you mention former Wimbledon players, you must be referring to Alice Tym.

Yes. You know, in her day she was 13th in the world in tennis, won titles on 5 continents, and coached the Yale and Tennessee women’s tennis teams for decades. Alice has partnered with me many times in pickleball. We’ve won mixed doubles in the Huntsman World Senior Games and took silvers in close final matches at the US Open and National Senior Games. We’ve won Senior Games in Connecticut, Idaho, Nevada and Utah, and at other tourneys elsewhere. We’ll be going back to the Huntsman this year.

Alice also plays badminton, table tennis, and some field events. She’s just great. I greatly admire how well she handles her own injuries and the aches and pains most super seniors have, and for her fun, gracious personality and great service to the sport.

Will Alice be your partner at The National Senior Games in Albuquerque next year?

No, she’s not, the rascal. [Laugh] She told me she’s going to play down in a lower age group.

You’ve had your share of aches and pains, too.

Persevering through pain and the challenges of life is important for success and happiness, and especially critical for success in sports.

I played competitive tennis for many years with severe back pain before my major back fusion operation. For a long while, I refused to risk the danger of the operation and just continued playing – and winning – despite terrific pain down my leg and losing the feeling in my toes. It wasn’t until the leg started to atrophy that I OK’d the operation.  The fusion turned out only partially successful, but I still played another ten years of competitive tennis, primarily to keep myself in tune to teach my daughters and then another ten years afterwards with lesser, but still tough pain.

Now, I’m still dealing with the back pain, and two years ago I had knee surgery. I’ve had a couple of hernia operations, and I pulled an Achilles tendon while playing the gold medal match in pickleball singles at last year’s USAPA Nationals, which broke my heart. But, I won the singles against the same guy several months later at the US Open, the biggest pickleball tournament in the world! I’m dealing with sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and the other aches and pains of a 78-year-old. And, you know, once diabetic you are always diabetic. I still work really hard to follow a disciplined diet and exercise to keep it under control.

All of those things are painful and have slowed me down. But I tell people, ‘You’re going to have injuries and things happen to you. If you give up and become a couch potato, you’re not going to live as long. If you continue to do things physically, you’re going to be more healthy, have more longevity, and you’re going to be more happy and have more fun all along the way.’

Does it inspire you to see all of the other active people at Senior Games?

That’s what I love about it, with all the emphasis on health and being among those world class athletes and hearing their testimonials. To be able to compete at this high level against these kinds of athletes is what keeps me going. It gets my blood flowing and is keeping me healthy along the way.

It’s a thrill to see the Olympic flame lit, marching with all the others in the Parade of Athletes, socializing in the Athletes’ Village – wow. It’s just a fantastic spectacle of joy and peace and brotherhood. We absolutely love it, it’s a highlight of our lives. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose at National Senior Games, it’s about staying healthy. That’s a great philosophy for you to have. If I’m dragging and have to play on one leg I’m still gonna go!

The National Senior Games is among the biggest pickleball championships around. There’s also the USAPA Nationals, the Huntsman World Games the State Games of America, and the SSIPA World Championships, the International Indoors, and the U.S. Open. I’m blessed to have won 38 medals, mostly gold, in them all. In just five years too, wow.

You really have a balanced perspective that has helped you to overcome life challenges, Dick.

You’ve identified something very dear to both Lawana and I. We’ve been married for 54 years. Mormons consider our Temple Marriage to be an eternal marriage, so our family will be together on the other side. The Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a major part of our life.

We believe in service and it’s an unpaid ministry. One daughter served her mission in England and all our daughters were married in the Temple to returned missionary guys.  We have 15 grand kids and three great grand kids, and so far, six of them have reached missionary age and gone on missions all over the world. Lawana and I together served a 3 year mission to teach the importance of continuing education to youth. We have also done humanitarian service in Africa helping to organize a measles immunization program. I’ve served as a Bishop and taught 6:30 AM morning seminary classes for 15 years. Both of us have taught young adults at the Institute of Religion next to Boise State for ten years. I also had a successful career with a major corporation and in state government.

Which company was that with?

I was with Ore-Ida for almost 25 years in two general management positions. But many of us lost our jobs at Ore-Ida and Heinz, our parent company, as the downsizing of corporations swept across America. It was a tough time for many people. I was 50 years old, was paying monthly for Shelly’s mission in England, and our two youngest daughters were still at home, too. I had to rely on faith and determination.

Even though I was offered some lucrative jobs elsewhere, we didn’t want to jerk our kids out of their schools and leave the old home town. After nine months I took a big financial hit by going to work for the Idaho Department of Commerce at a lot less of what I had been making. It was a giant blow to my ego, prestige, and confidence.

However, it all turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Why? Because the new career brought some humility and significant and enjoyable growth and new experiences. It included helping startup companies in the state and recruiting others to come to Idaho and create new jobs here. After almost 25 years traveling the country and parts of the world in the corporate business, it was a thrill to get to know my little home state better and to provide help to its people and communities. Looking back, it really helped fulfill my inherent desires to serve.

But to go back to your question about balance: Family, Christ, and the Church are the most important things to us. They impact all parts of our lives and help us be more physically and spiritually healthy. We sure aren’t perfect, but we try pretty hard to live good morals and be good citizens. Even though I did stub my toe with the diabetes, these guiding principles have given me and our family a pretty happy and healthy life.

Your wife is obviously a helper and inspiration for you. Has anyone else been a big influence on your life?

Lawana is my dearest friend and eternal companion. She’s my biggest cheerleader on the sidelines, and then helps nurse my aches and pains after the long days’ matches are finally over. Unfortunately, she can’t play anymore – she had a pretty bad injury crashing into a wall chasing down a lob – but she has been a referee at all of the big tournaments I rattled off to you. She knows more about the rules of the game than I do.

As for others, a marvelous lady named Barbara Chandler introduced tennis to the Boise School System and thereby to me. She had won the National Clay Court Championships and for years could beat every man in the state. I took lessons from her and we won many adult state mixed doubles championships when I was still in my teens, and more later in my young adult years. I idolized her, not just for her skill, but also for her sportsmanship, graciousness, service, and pure love of the sport, win or lose.

And my grandpa Alma Johnson was a huge influence on me. We would pitch pennies against the kitchen wall to win a piece of grandma’s sugared cinnamon bread at their house in Ogden, Utah. He dug little holes in the dirt in his back yard to putt golf balls into. He’d never let me win, I had to beat him. I watched, admired and respected him as he worked through his aches and pains from hours of bowling and horseshoe practice to eventually win the Utah state bowling championship in his 70’s. And he was playing people a lot younger then, just as I do now in pickleball.

I think a lot of my athletic desire came from ole Grandpa Johnson, and his valuable lessons also strengthened my strong desire to love and help my children to succeed, serve, and be happy.

Your pickleball enthusiasm must be contagious with others.

I tell people I use pickleball as the vehicle to stay active. It’s really fun and addictive, and it’s easy to learn in the beginning. People can play it recreationally for their whole lives, but you have to work really hard if you want to be go at it competitively. I’ve told my tennis friends who didn’t know much about it to Google a 5.0 pickleball match video and that really raises their respect for the game.

One thing that’s been challenging, but has been good for me, is playing down in lower age groups. In the first U.S. Open pickleball tournament three years ago, I won a bronze playing against 50-year-olds. I’m more proud of that one than the golds in my age. Several years ago I was the top point winner nationally at my skill level while playing against 50-year-olds. And, last year I was the SSIPA points winner for my age group. I still frequently play down, as it keeps me in tune to play against older people.

I love the challenge of trying to get better and, even though I’m now an old duffer, I continue to work hard to be a student of the game and improve. I am glad that so many players are asking for and really appreciate the help I give them.

But, realistically, I also know its physically getting much tougher and coming to an end. I still wouldn’t mind finally kicking the bucket after hitting a great passing shot on the court against some 50 year old youngster!

Chuck Milliman, 85, Phil Milliman, 66, Sequim, Washington

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In Washington state, the Milliman family tree has produced a bushel of positive minded and active people, including Chuck and Phil, father and son gold medalists in National Senior Games pole vaulting.

Chuck Milliman, a retired minister, did not start running seriously until his 40s, but has completed 66 marathons and a variety of track and field competitions. Chuck has also stayed active through outdoor recreation. He and wife Shirley have encouraged their entire family, and countless others, to join in on hikes, climbing, biking, races and anything else that gets the muscles moving.

Phil Milliman discovered the thrill of pole vaulting on family beach trips where he used pieces of driftwood to jump over a string held up by his siblings. This led to a high school vaulting career, but not having access to poles and pits sidelined him after graduation until a brother-in-law upstate organized all-age games. Phil’s passion was reignited at 35, and he’s been burning up runways ever since. Chuck also joined in doing running and field events, including pole vault.

The two agreed to enter the Washington State Senior Games in 2003, and when the National Senior Games came to California in 2009, the pair decided to go to Palo Alto. Chuck surprised himself with a gold medal in his first national appearance, and Phil matched the feat in his age group in Houston in 2011. Then, at the 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Birmingham, the duo achieved the goal of both winning a gold medal in the same Games. Their performances earned both top-five all-time NSGA marks.

As our lively three-way conversation below details, winning medals is not a goal but a result for the Millimans. Regular training and practice is based on Phil’s study of the sport, and they have a backyard pit to hone their skills. But both quickly point out that the real goal is to achieve good health and longevity. It’s also clear that both are motivated by the sheer joy of defying gravity and being with others in the sport.

Above all, Chuck and Phil want to inspire others to find their own way to stay active. They still organize family and church group outings, and Phil is a volunteer pole vaulting coach at the local high school. Chuck’s devotion to help people is only exceeded by the spirit of fierce competition he instilled in the family. Phil admits that when Chuck takes on a challenge, he wants to do it too and not get one-upped. This spirit is also demonstrated by the high activity level of three generations of the family.

Chuck, whose good health made a speed bump out of a dual heart bypass in 2001, enjoys community work and running for charities, including back-to-back marathons to log 78.6 miles on his 78^th birthday for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Last year, he ran 85 miles over two days for his 85^th birthday for the Sequim Food Bank. Phil will have to age up to match those feats but does his share, and he has found a new sport passion in pickleball.

You may not want to try pole vaulting, but witnessing Chuck and Phil Milliman’s enthusiasm and vigor should make you want to find an activity to pursue your own Personal Best!

 

Let’s “jump” right in by asking this: Why did you both fall in love with pole vaulting?

Phil:

Pole vaulting to me is the ideal sport. It’s because everybody is working as hard as they can to help the person beside them to be the best athlete you can be. I’ve never seen a more selfless sport. It also takes everything you’ve got to do it. There’s a national conference every year, because it’s so complex there’s a need to share physics and skill information, plus the psychological aspect. All sorts of things come with it.

 

Well, the fear of falling is primal.

Phil:

We tell kids you have to overcome every survival instinct you’ve got to pole vault. There’s danger involved if you are not safe, and we always teach safety.

Chuck:

It is an exciting sport. But you’re right that there’s a survival part to it, Phil.

 

So, tell us how you both started in sports.

Chuck:

I didn’t play organized sports until high school. I remember my older brother taking me to grade school and there was a basketball laying there. I could barely pick it up at first, but for some reason I just fell in love with it. My brother would have to forcibly take me out of the gym after that.

In high school my main sport was basketball, and all we had besides that was 6-man football and baseball which I did too. Our football field did not have turf- it looked like it had been road graded. I didn’t even know much of what track or the Olympics was until I was 21.

Phil:

Chuck grew up in a tiny town called Benton City, and he also boxed a little bit. He’s always been an active person. He was a little hyper, so if it was today they would have given him some drug to calm him down.

How I got started with pole vaulting is interesting. We went to the beach a lot as a kid, and I just loved to jump. I talked my brother and sister into holding up a string and I would use a piece of driftwood to jump over it. A friend of mine and I started ‘driftwood jumping’ together.

I was going to try out for track in high school but was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a freshman and was a little apprehensive about it. But I decided ‘Aw, forget it, I’m going to turn out for it anyway’ and both me and my brother entered track in my junior year. I heard you can improve jumping height by running cross country, so I did that in my senior year, too.

Chuck:

Philip was great pole vaulting in high school, especially under the conditions they had. They jumped on a parking lot and landed onto bales of hay. I don’t think they even wore spikes back then.

Phil:

My best vault in high school was 12 feet three inches. I only got as far as district, but I had a lot of fun. I was not good enough to vault in college, and it was difficult to find a place to do it anymore. I didn’t start back up until I was 35.

Chuck was actively involved with his church work, but he didn’t exercise a lot while we were in high school. But Dad started running with my brother Bruce, and he just kept running after he went off to college. Dad ran many races, including marathons.

Chuck:

My first official race was a marathon! A college professor got me interested in 1973 when I was 39. He told me he was doing a marathon at 64 years old. Well, I thought, ‘If that old guy can do that, then I certainly can.’ I got my son Bruce to train me. I remember on the first 20-mile training run I couldn’t go another step at ten miles. We walked a bit and he talked me into jogging, and then I felt I could finish. I remember my first marathon time was three hours and 58 minutes.

I’ve done 66 marathons in all. That’s one for every year I’ve been married. You have to get away from the house for a couple of hours every now and then, you know. [Laugh]

Phil:

Dad and Bruce were fast runners. It’s interesting, all the little motivators we had through the years. Dad used to hike with his professor, and us kids often came along with them. It was always something we did together all through the years, being outdoors and enjoying life.

And there’s a little thing in our family about that. If Chuck was doing something exciting -like climbing Mt. Ranier- I was going to make sure I did it with him. So, when he was going to go to Senior Games, I was going with him, too. I didn’t want him one step ahead of me on these adventures!

Chuck:

We’ve always done things like that together as a family.

 

How did you two get involved in senior competitions?

Phil:

When I was 35, my brother-in-law was organizing a weekly ‘all comers’ sporting event up in Bellingham, and they supplied poles to practice and compete. So, my wife Rosaura and I started driving about 100 miles up there every Monday to pole vault for two hours, turn around and drive all the way home. We did that for years, but we never got tired of doing it and have kept vaulting ever since.

 

So did Chuck get involved in Senior Games first?

Chuck:

My first Washington State Senior Games was 2003. But I wasn’t too motivated to go to National Senior Games at first.

Phil:

We talked each other into going. 2003 was also my first Senior Games. The reason we thought we were never going to go to Nationals was that they were always too far away. There’s a lot of people who qualify and want to go but can’t afford it. But when we heard they were coming to Palo Alto in 2009, we thought, ‘Hey, this would be a hoot- we could go to the National Senior Games!’ That got it started. We’ve only missed Cleveland in 2013 since then.

 

What’s it like to be at National Senior Games with so many other fit people your age?

Chuck:

My first impression was that I couldn’t compete against these guys. I had won a lot at state games, so I was prepared a little bit. But here’s these world class people! It was kind of scary in that way. But I try my best, as the old cliché says.

What impressed me next was being with all these healthy older people.  My goodness, there’s so much in the Senior Games that people can become involved in. It’s not just track and field, which I love, but it’s also the whole gamut of other sports. Like that wimpy game of pickleball that Phil plays. [Phil laughs] Yeah, those people want all the attention. [Both laugh]

But I do enjoy competition, any kind, I don’t care. I’ll tell you, Phil and I are so competitive that we can’t walk down to the mailbox without getting into an argument halfway down the driveway. [Both laugh]

Phil:

At church they say we can’t say ten words without getting into an argument about who’s right. But it’s all in fun. We love each other dearly, but we love to get at each other too.

 

So, what were your first impressions of The Games, Phil?

Phil:

It’s a flood of emotions. You go through your life you’re struggling wondering if you’re worthy of anything, am I good enough, you know. But when I first got there I had a feeling of accomplishment, that I’ve made into to this thing. And there’s all these people everywhere, marvelous personalities. It’s a mass of people, competing at a very high level in most cases.

We went over to watch the basketball players and it was amazing to see them play hard. I love watching the runners to see how they change their style as they get older. I tell people it’s like running in a refrigerator box as you get older. You can’t afford to get ahead and rush, so you run a little closer into yourself. [Chuck laughs] It’s always great to watch the really older guys out there, throwing shot put and pole vaulting. There are even guys older than my Dad there. [Both laugh] You watch them make an approach and the whole family looks like they want to run keep them from falling backwards!

But the camaraderie is great. Everybody’s trying to help each other. It’s a really great experience.

 

Chuck, as athletes grow older they also find there are fewer competitors in their next age group. You were the only one the 85-89 age in Birmingham last year, so you got the gold. But you had to be there to get it!

Chuck:

Well, that is the case in some events at the state level. This was the first time I didn’t have competition at the national games. I like to say that everyone else chickened out when they heard Chuck Milliman was competing.

Phil:

I always dreamed of having him and me win golds at the same Nationals.

 

It’s clear you guys are competitive. Do you set winning medals as a big goal?

Phil:

Not really, but I’ve got a picture of Dad throwing his arms in the air and yelling when he won his first gold medal at the Washington Senior Games in 2003. I’ve never seen such unadulterated joy. It was exciting.

I have looked back and realized a couple of things. Some years I am older than the next guy in my group who’s going to blow away my record. It’s just random chance. If you’re in it for the medals, you shouldn’t be in it because you’re just going to be disappointed at some point. Why have I gotten two gold medals at Nationals? It’s sheer luck. You know what? I’m just going to go down that runway and do my best, and whatever that ends up is what it is. So we both have two national golds. And you don’t feel like you’re anything special, huh Chuck?

Chuck:

Oh no. But I’ll tell you this. The most exciting thing in the Senior Games is aging up to a new five-year age group. That’s the sweet spot, because you’re the youngest now and you can take those old guys! [Laugh]

But as I said, I just like the camaraderie, the togetherness of people enjoying themselves. I’ve gone to very few meets where you find anyone being super negative about life.  It’s like a lease for enjoying life.

 

As a pastor you need to care deeply for people, Chuck. It must be heartwarming to witness how everyone uplifts each other at Senior Games.

Chuck:

I think that comes with it. You may not realize it at first, but when you find you can do it, you want to support others. It’s not just for me. If I can help others enjoy life better for themselves, I think that’s great. It carries over in other activities, not just in track and field. But it’s a direct result of everyone trying to be good and it makes everyone feel good about it, if that makes sense.

Phil:

Number one, I’m a big believer that you gotta keep moving until the day your drop. Anything you can do to keep moving and being your best helps you to live longer and have a better quality of life. It’s critical for me in everything I do. I’m active in my church, and I’m a volunteer pole vault coach at our high school. Everybody needs something to hang onto that makes them unique and different.

Second, as you can tell, Dad and I love competition. It’s a way of motivating yourself to keep going and to do something that may set you apart. That allows you to get up the next day and say ‘I can do that.’ It makes it easier to deal with failure we all have at times too.

The third thing is exactly what my Dad was saying. When you’re out competing, you’re not trying to crush anybody else, you’re trying to do your very best, and you’re doing it with other people. So they do their best, you get excited, and everyone is cheering each other and doing better. In a real way it’s a great family time.

Chuck:

I agree to that. There’s an exhilaration of winning at that moment. And then when you come in 4^th or 5^th you think ‘I could’ve done better, what’s the matter with me?’ in that moment. I think it’s both things that make you better.  But I’ve got so many medals, I just think ‘Who cares, anyway?’ [Laugh]

But I’ll tell you, I have the two meanest coaches anyone could have: Phil and my wife! [Both laugh] She’ll watch us pole vaulting in the yard and the first thing she says when I come in is, ‘You have to do that over. You did that all wrong!’ [Laugh]

 

BACKYARD BONUS: Watch Chuck and Phil make working out fun

(Courtesy Washington State Senior Games – https://youtu.be/yjdH0Z3krmI)

 

We hear you guys train hard, and that you’ve made your own pit in your back yard.

Phil:

Yeah, we’re on our second pit now. A few years ago, I got an old trashed one that was in storage at the high school. Then I found out I had family whose kids pole vaulted in eastern Washington. After they graduated high school I asked if we could have their old pit and they said sure. If you’ve ever packed a pole vault pit to move, get the very largest U Haul truck you can find! We got it home and have had it now for ten years I guess.

Chuck and I have special training drills to work on the muscles we need to do this. We set up rings in the garage to build arm strength, and we have a sand pit to do drills in.

I’ve looked back at our pole vault numbers from all the state games and it’s really cool that we’ve only varied by six inches over the 14 years. The reason we can maintain that level of success is because we are working every day to improve ourselves in whatever sport we’re doing. So as the age curve is declining the skill curve is increasing, we’re pretty much level all across. I set a state record when I was 52 with an 11 foot jump. Last year I did 10 feet six inches when I won my gold medal. You can’t do that unless you are constantly improving your technique and style.

 

So what’s your favorite sport now, Phil? Pole vaulting or pickleball?

[Both laugh]

Chuck:

Oh, you’ve got him now!

Phil:

Pole vaulting wins, it’s my passion. But here’s the deal on pickleball: it is the most accessible sport as people age that there is. Not in singles, that can be tough, but doubles pickleball is growing like crazy for a reason. We play in a doubles league here and there are people with injured legs and knees and arms, but they’re still enjoying it and playing competitively.

 

You are both naturally active. How do you encourage others to be fit who don’t relate to sports as easily?

Chuck:

I try to tell them they will feel better. Don’t do it because somebody told you to do it, do it because you will feel better physically. It helps you mentally too.  Also, take it slow and don’t do hardly anything extreme for the first couple of months. I used to think everyone ought to run marathons, and a big regret is that I’ve ruined a few people making them do too much. The whole point is to feel better. The moving factor will get your blood flowing and your lungs working, and you may not feel comfortable for a little while, but you’re not going to die either. Your muscle tone will improve, and a big thing I’ve noticed is that it reduces stress immensely. It just does.

Phil:

We both have a track record of encouraging others to get out and do things with us in the outdoors. Chuck used to counsel kids when he was a pastor and encouraged them to go hiking or skiing or whatever. We organize hiking and biking groups, disc golf, snowshoeing and skiing, all kinds of things with all ranges of people. Oh, and pickleball too, of course. [Chuck laughs] We’ll alternate between heavy duty stuff and things like a one-mile walk to meander for those folks who are not so energetic. We try to find any way we can to get people excited about getting up and getting out. And you don’t want to burn them out the first step, so you start small. They begin to see why we do these things, enjoying the day and the time together. It all factors into making people healthier. We try to inspire them to continue to enjoy doing it on their own.

In our family, we’ve all had different journeys with our exercise. Dad’s always been a sports guy, and Mom has always joined with him when she could. They made us do stuff every Sunday afternoon after church. We would cry and moan. [Imitates himself as a kid] ‘Do we have to go?’ [Chuck laughs] To this day everyone in our family is active. Our parents have inspired whole generations, down to the grandkids and now great-grandkids, who get out there and enjoy life to its fullest.

You know, you could almost make that a theme: Bring someone with you to The Games.

 

We think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing the Millimans at National Senior Games for some time to come.

Chuck:

Oh yeah, you betcha.

Phil:

You gotta go til you drop. It’s not about how well you are going to do in Senior Games. You do it to have your quality of life as long as you can.

 

Find More Great Personal Best Features at NSGA.com/personalbest

Cathy Cornell, 62, Bakersfield, California

We all have challenges to face. The many senior athletes we have profiled in this program have encountered a wide range of situations, but they all point to a common truth: you have to find ways to deal with life’s obstacles to successfully pursue your Personal Best. For some, these challenges have been extreme, but no one has arguably faced a tougher roadblock than Cathy Cornell of Bakersfield, California.

Water has always held Cathy’s fascination. Based on a tragic drowning loss in the family history, her parents insisted that all of their children learn to swim. Her first swim meet was at age four, and the pool became her second home. By high school, she was a team MVP, and she was then named All American and Female Athlete of the Year for 1976 at Bakersfield Junior College. When she was offered a full ride scholarship to swim at a four-year college, she began to believe that a long-held dream to swim in the Olympics might be a real possibility.

But Cathy’s entire world suddenly turned upside down when, at age 18, she was raped by the manager of the pool where she worked. The perpetrator threatened her to remain silent, and then stalked her as she sought to begin her college life. Frightened, intimidated, and ashamed, Cathy withdrew from school, and said nothing about it for the next 32 years.

Cathy continued to teach swimming and seeking solace in the water, but the stress from trying to deny the repressed feelings from the past began to affect her health and relationships, and she quit swimming when she took on a demanding teaching job in her mid-30s. After a failed marriage and mounting problems coping with her post traumatic stress disorder, she finally sought counseling. Asked what she liked to do when she was younger, she spoke about her love of the water. Cathy was advised to get back in the pool as healing therapy. She found a local swim club that included older swimmers and jumped back in.

It was not long afterwards that Cathy felt the old competitive urge return, and she started entering meets and slowly began to regain her strength and skills. When she traveled 100 miles to Los Angeles for the 2014 Pasadena Senior Games, she discovered that her results had also qualified her to represent California in the National Senior Games, which she was told was like the Olympics for seniors. In a moment, her dream was rekindled, and Cathy vowed to take back what had been stolen from her as a teenager.

The rest of the story is a testimonial to human triumph over adversity, as Cathy has attended two national Games and finally earned two medals at the 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana. The following conversation recounts the events of her life and reveals how she considered the water to be the medicine that has restored her health and her sense of well being. The fact that she had the courage to speak openly about her sexual abuse before the issue exploded with the #Metoo movement of late 2017 is an indication that she had indeed made great strides to regain a normal life.

Cathy Cornell has found her Personal Best, and now sees a future full of new challenges as a senior competitor. She hopes that sharing her own inspirations and lessons learned will provide the spark to help others to overcome whatever challenges they have, and to pursue a lifestyle of healthy aging.

 

When did you start swimming?

My parents had a big part in it. When my dad was young he watched his younger brother drown. They were out on a lake and he couldn’t save him because he didn’t know how to swim. So it was very important to both of them that all of their kids learn how to swim.

I was born and raised here in the [San Joaquin] Valley around Bakersfield. You swam to stay cool here, and I always swam as much as I could. I started lessons at the age of three, and eight months later I was in my first meet in the recreation league, doing the 25 back and 25 free. I remember crying all the way down because I was in the six and under group and I was afraid to be by the six-year-olds. [Laugh]

I started lifeguarding when I was 16, was a most valuable player in high school, and went on to Bakersfield Junior College where I qualified to be All-American and Female Athlete of the Year in 1976. I then got a full ride scholarship to go to Whittier College to swim. My dream was always to go to the Olympics, and I felt this was my chance. I didn’t know if I could be good enough to go. I might not have been good enough, but it was a dream, just like everyone when you are in a sport that you absolutely love.

But I turned down the scholarship when I was 18. That was when the incident – the sexual assault – took place.

 

Oh, my, Cathy. We don’t need all the details, but what happened?

We got a new manager at the pool where I worked as a lifeguard and assistant manager. [Sigh] He raped me, and threatened me. He even stalked me when I went to check out the new college. I didn’t feel safe, so I had to come back. I let it [the scholarship] go. I feel like he stole that from me.

 

Did you tell anyone about it at the time?

I kept all that a secret. If was a lot different back then in the 70s. I had three brothers, and we were all raised in the Church. I just felt it would be a big shame on the family.

 

How long did you wait to talk to anyone about this?

About 32 years.

 

Holy Mackerel! Did you stop swimming right after that happened?

No, I continued swimming through an age group program here. I had to keep swimming somehow, because it was like medicine for me. That was the way I coped with it, to get into the water. A lot of other people might turn to drugs and alcohol, but me, I turned to my swimming.

I got into coaching high school swimming. We had undefeated teams and turned out All American swimmers. I then was a private swimming teacher for 15 years. But in my mid-30s, I got out of swimming. I had taken a job teaching kids at risk, you know, those with specific learning disabilities. Many were involved with crime. I called them my little gangsters.

A lot of other pressure had started piling upon me by then. I went through a bad marriage that had been very abusive for about a year and a half. Because of the assault, I was affected by PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] and had a lot of anxiety and depression. I had to retire early due to my disability.

And, before I got back into swimming, I was plagued horribly by migraines, and found out I had a hole in my heart. I got surgery to fix that and the migraines went away. I’m fine, I’m doing great now, but it added to my worry at the time. It all just piled up. I finally broke. You can’t carry it around forever.

 

What gave you a glimpse of the path to heal yourself?

I never dreamed this would happen to me at the time. The pool was my second home, it was my life. And when it happened at the pool after hours, it was like my safety zone was trampled. It put a sour note on my passion, and I struggled with it until I eventually quit swimming back then. He took away my chance for an Olympics, and ultimately this took away my love of swimming. But after 32 years, I decided I wasn’t going to let that happen anymore.

I knew I had to go back through my life and pull out the weeds, you know? I went for some therapy, and the counselor helped me tremendously. She asked me what I liked to do in the past, and I told her I always swam. She said, ‘You’ve got to get back into that for your health.’

By this time, it was 2013, and I was overweight and out of shape. I was on seven medications. But I decided I would get in and see what I could do. I found the Gold Waves masters club here in Bakersfield. When I got back in the water, it felt pretty good, and my competitive edge started to kick back in.

I entered a local meet after four months and did horrible. I kept with it and started going to meets down in L.A. every three or four months. It didn’t take long before I was bringing home first and second place medals and I felt like I was back in my game. I went to the Pasadena Senior Games in 2014 and didn’t even realize it was the qualifying event for National Senior Games, and that going to that was like the Olympics for seniors. I thought, ‘Wow, maybe I can still do this. It was always my dream to go to THE Olympics, but I can still do this.’

When I went for my first Nationals in Minneapolis in 2015, it was a real eye opener. I only entered three events, and I did place in the top eight. The competition was tougher than I thought-there’s some good swimmers in there! I came back and started with a personal exercise trainer two or three times a week on cardio and weights. I started shooting for the next Nationals in Alabama, because the first games ignited my flame again. I wanted to win a medal in 2017.

 

How did you do in Birmingham?

I entered five events at the 2017 Birmingham Games, and I won two bronze medals. In my first event I was seeded fifth. I bumped out two and moved to third for my first bronze.

 

Nice. Congrats! We looked your times up, and you actually logged the 10^th best time ever for the 500 freestyle for women 60-64. You had some serious competition ahead of you to come in third.

The ladies ahead of me were really good. In my first event, the 200 freestyle, I had placed fifth in 2015, and I moved up to third for my first bronze. That set the pace. In the 500, I was actually ahead for 16 lengths in the 500 and we turned together on the last four lengths. I got beat out of the silver by less than one second. But I did win the bronze and bettered my time. I like the distance races. I’m pleased, but I know I can do better. I’m going to Albuquerque next year and I know I’m going to do better.

 

And you were brave enough to talk about this for a local TV news story that we saw in June, months before all of the sexual abuse news and the #metoo movement blew up.

I do tell people my story now. It took a long time and a lot of therapy, but I’ve beat it and can now talk about this and I like for them to hear it. I’m sure there are others out there that are struggling and wallowing through life unhappy.

My niece works for that local TV station and told them about it. I was a little nervous, wondering how this was going to come out. Was I going to get this message out the way I wanted? I also felt a little pressure because that was right before the 2017 Nationals and here I was on TV telling them I wanted to win a medal. They did a follow up story when I went home, and I was so happy. I did it! [Laugh]

I always tell everyone, it’s never too late to chase your dreams. I just had to realize that determination has no age limit on it. You can’t let your age and the fear factor stop you. That’s how I look at it.

 

You can’t let everything that life brings your way keep you from it, either.

No, you can’t. That’s what was happening to me for so many years. I just finally had to get everything together and get back to where I was. I can’t be any happier now. Making that choice to get back in the water was the best thing for me. I’m only on one medication now. Swimming was the cheapest medication and the cheapest insurance I could find. [Laugh]

 

 

 

It’s great that you are really enjoying life now. Are you still apprehensive about relationships with men?

For many years I was. I told people I hated men, but down inside I really didn’t. I dreamed all through college about growing up, being married and having a family. You just don’t know what life is going to deal you and it changed my whole outlook and made college difficult. It escalated and just kinda exploded on me.

I’m single now but it’s OK. I’m so involved in my swimming and my work. But I have the attitude that if it’s meant for me to meet somebody out there, I’ll meet him. But if it doesn’t happen, life will go on.

 

Certainly, people have already told you they’ve been inspired by your story.

Yes, and it reminds me of last summer. My mom is 89 now, but she wanted to go with me to Birmingham. We went to a barbecue place and met these three basketball ladies. They asked if we were there for the National Senior Games. Before I knew it, they were asking me questions and I opened up just a little bit about my story. They said, ‘Wow, they should write up a story about you.’ I just laughed it off, and then you got in touch with me. [Laugh]

 

We’re happy that National Senior Games helped to heal and make you whole again.

When I marched in with the California flag in the Celebration of Athletes, both in 2015 and last year, I had a tear come down my cheek. It boosted me because there were times I didn’t think I would ever overcome all of this. You have all these obstacles, and you have to jump over some, or go around some, and some knock you down, and you have to get back up. It was very emotional to have that feeling of accomplishment as I was walking in. ‘I’m here.’

I was competing and winning medals and ribbons in the local meets, but still didn’t have the icing on my cake yet. I kept flashing back to my college time. Could I have ever made it to the Olympics? So, when I saw that you can qualify and compete for the Olympics for seniors, that made me feel really good. I could have the icing on my cake.

It also felt good when I was inducted into my high school’s athletic hall of fame in February of 2016.

 

Does it inspire you to watch the older ladies swim?

Oh yeah. I looked at them and said, ‘That’s going to be me one of these days.’ I’ll go as long as I can. I know what the downside of stopping is like, and it’s not good.

It’s been a wellness thing for me, very much so. Everybody needs to do something, whether it’s swimming, basketball, volleyball, or whatever, you need to do something. I knew that swimming was my medicine, and I had to get back to it. I knew that’s where my healing and good feeling would be found.

You know, I’ve always kept a Scripture in mind. It’s from Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you – plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That’s what I’ve lived on, right there. I felt I was robbed of even having a chance to attempt to go to the Olympics. So I decided to go back to reclaim what was stolen from me. And I did.

 

For more information: DM***@**GA.com

Mary Kemp, 95, Boca Raton, Florida

 

The National Senior Games Association has a core mission to promote health and wellness to people over 50. We are constantly reminding people to get moving and find ways to stay active, and that Senior Games offer an exciting and rewarding option to go beyond basic exercise. Our motto is “It’s never too late to get into The Games,” and Mary Kemp is living proof that the saying is true.

A diminutive woman with a big smile, Mary was an active kid but never played organized sports other than some high school volleyball. As you will read in the following conversation, she jokes that her greatest asset was her small stature because players overlooked her on the court.

Imagine her sense of awe, then, as Mary walked onto the track at the 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana to compete for the first time at the tender age of 95. Top that off with a 50-meter dash performance that yielded a gold medal, a prize that was no “gimme” either. She had to beat two other experienced women in her age division to earn the right to stand atop the podium.

Mary says she looked around the track and couldn’t believe she was doing this and how it came about. As often happens, a family member encouraged her to get involved. Her son Glenn Kemp, now 70, competes in men’s senior basketball and informally coaches and teaches life skills with youngsters in Fairhope, Alabama. He knew that his mom exercised regularly and was in fit shape, but he told us that she craved social interaction and needed “a sense of still being relevant” that participating in The Games would provide. He eventually convinced her to try it out, and Mary was not disappointed with the attention and support that came her way. In fact, her competitive debut was made even more special when Glenn’s team also won, making for a mother and son gold medal celebration in Birmingham.

Perseverance is one characteristic of athletes selected to be featured by our Personal Best initiative, and Mary has overcome many challenges in life and bounced back every time. She was part of the generation that climbed out of the Great Depression and survived World War II. The Ohio native has the distinction of being among a relatively small number of women who served in the military during that time. She subsequently took a risk and went to California with a friend to seek her fortune. Instead, she fell into an abusive, dead-end marriage and she ended up moving into public housing with her two young children. Her kids recall the sacrifices she made to protect them and to find a way out. Mary also quit cold turkey on a two-pack-per-day smoking habit at the age of 50, a further testimony to her resolve to improve her life.

In our talk, Mary continues with her story of returning to Ohio and finding a stable job, her many moves, and how her children have helped her navigate through retirement. She now lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Boca Raton, and enjoys going to the gym five days a week for Silver Sneakers activities, made possible by her Humana membership. She still possesses a keen wit and a positive attitude, attributes that have helped her get through the rough patches in her life. Now, Mary Kemp has new goals to look forward to, and she likes the idea that telling her Personal Best story might encourage others that it truly is “never too late to get into The Games.”

Mary, it’s so great that you decided to start competing at 95. Did you ever imagine you would one day be running the 50-meter dash in your 90s?

I never did, and it’s still mind boggling that I’m here and doing this. I worked hard all my life, and I can’t believe this is happening. When I go to the gym, everybody is congratulating me. I wonder ‘What’s going on here?’ [Laugh] It’s amazing.

We’ll ask you more about that, but talk to us first about how you got to this point. Were you ever an athlete?

In school, we always had gym to go to. I played volleyball. I was so short, nobody could see me out there!

[Laugh] You were lucky, Mary. Many women your age were never allowed in sports. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Toledo, Ohio. My parents were Polish and came to America in 1914. They had six children. My Dad was very physical. He worked in a factory. My mother was a homebody and you did what she said. Both of them taught us discipline. My father was more of a silent person. His presence was enough to convince us not to fool around.

Anyway, we played outside a lot. There was a public park where we could swim in the summer, and they had basketball courts. I remember when it snowed in the winter, we kids liked to compose a pie in the snow and race to ‘cut up the pie’ and see who got around the slices first.

You really are a newbie to sports. We hear you joined the Army during World War II. How did that come about?

Well, before I did that, I took some courses to become a beautician when I graduated high school. I was kinda bored with it, and found out that the Jeep factory was hiring. So I went to work on a conveyor belt helping to build Jeeps. A young lady I worked with said, “Mary, I’m going to join the military. Why don’t you come with me?” I went home and talked with my mother. She thought about it, looked around to see six children, and decided this would be one less mouth to feed. She didn’t say that, but that’s what she was thinking. [Laugh]

We went to get tested and I weighed 98 pounds. The rule was you had to weigh 100 pounds. They told me to eat bananas and cottage cheese to put some weight on and come back. I did that, got to 100 and they signed me up. This was 1942, and I did mostly clerical work. They shipped me to Colorado, and then to Washington, DC, where they honorably discharged me to go home to Ohio in 1946.

So you were one of the women who performed important work at home.  And you were among the few who wore a uniform. You were an everyday hero.

Thank you. That’s exactly what we did. You helped any way you could.

Anyway, after I went home I met a lady who asked me to go to California. She said her aunt and uncle could help set us up. So I went out west with her. We got an attic dwelling above a garage. You had to use a ladder to get up there, and you had to go to the owner’s house to use the facilities. 

It was at that time that I met my ever-loving husband who I divorced later. We were together for five years and had two kids. He bought a business at Ocean Park near Santa Monica. It was a food concession stand at a boardwalk area where people did rides and played games and such. He worked nights, and I had to take the daytime.  

He left us a couple of times, and despite everything I took him back. He turned out to be a philanderer, and I found out some were teenage girls. I got a divorce in 1952.

After we split, I got one support check and received nothing after that. We had no money and had to move into a public housing project. I worked full time, and also got a associate business degree from Davis College. I had no car,  so I walked or took the bus everywhere. After a time my brother, who lived with my mother in Toledo, told me to come back and live with them. He helped me get a job at the Owens plant where he worked. That’s where they made Libby glassware. I worked for them for 25 years doing secretarial work before I retired in 1982.

My son Glenn was working for the Postal Service at that time, and he wanted to improve his position and would move from place to place over the years. Each time, I would move into the house he left behind, and whenever he transferred I would help him sell the house I was in and then take over the next house. I took care of him, and he took care of me. I went to Louisiana, Alabama, to the Florida Keys, Texas, and then to Atlanta before he retired and moved to Fairhope, Alabama. I treated those houses as my own and paid all the bills while I lived there. I enjoyed the liberty of being on my own and liked being exposed to something different at each place.

How did you land where you are now in Boca Raton?

Six years ago, Glenn hit on hard times. He had taken on too much and it all came down on him at once. He had to sell everything, and I had to move. My daughter Ann and her husband Jim came to the rescue and took me in here in Boca Raton. [Pause] I guess you could compose a book on my life. I cannot believe everything that’s happened when I stop to think about it. I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I never thought about having to keep going, I don’t know how I handled it all, I just did it. I met my responsibility, and the kids were always first when they were with me.

Through years, did you exercise regularly? You look to be in pretty good shape!

I’ve always stayed active and worked hard. I always walked stairs instead of taking elevators. I cut grass, weeded, and kept a garden around the house. I also bought a Juicelator and have used it for years to improve my nutrition.

I would also usually join a facility with a pool. I liked to swim. Through Medicare and Humana, I joined Silver Sneakers here. Five days a week I go to the gym. They have group classes like Zumba and challenges like running around the gym. Your legs and arms are always going. If I didn’t have this, what would I have for exercises? I could run around the block here, but that’s not as much as I get with the groups. I’m very grateful for getting this paid for. And now look, I have a gold medal!

Come to think of it, I can tell you I was also a smoker until I was 50. The kids didn’t say anything about it, but I thought about Ann and Glenn and asked myself, ‘What are you doing?’ I decided that was it and I quit right then for my health.

Cold turkey? That’s impressive. Deciding to run track for the first time at 95 is impressive, too. You are an ambassador for fitness just doing that as an example.

If I could, I would give people a complimentary pass to the gym and ask, ‘Why don’t you come with me and just try it?’ Then, once you get going, you can deviate and find what is good for you. Just try something and stay with it.

What was it like to walk out onto that track and see all the activity at the National Senior Games?

I was in awe. I couldn’t believe I was there. There were all these people walking around with hats and their fancy exercise gear. And so friendly! They said things like “Good for you, Mary!” There wasn’t anyone there who said anything negative. Dottie Gray, she’s 92 I think, was so wonderful and pleasant to me. I watched her race and she was just prancing like a horse. She’s so amazing. We posed on the medal stand together with our arms around each other, and when they told us to say cheese, Dottie said “Squeeze!” and squeezed me. [Laugh]

You beat two others in your age group by nine seconds to get that gold.

You know, I wasn’t looking behind me to see who was where in the race. I’m surprised, because I’m usually a pretty nosy person. I heard people yelling “Go, Mary, Go!” and boy, did my muscles go. I wasn’t thinking about winning, I was just thinking about doing it. This is it. It was just terrific. I wouldn’t give up that feeling for anything.

Glenn is 70 years old now and retired in Alabama. He is really into basketball. He’s not only playing, he’s also teaching the game to youngsters. It’s important to him. They call him “Pops.” He’s gone to Senior Games before, and was with a team in Birmingham.

Glenn is the one who got me interested in doing this. He kept saying, “Go, Mom! You can do it. Sign up for The Games!” I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s my son? He was never this brutal to me.’ [Laugh] So I did sign up. Glenn helped get me registered. Of course, Ann and Jim were wonderful, too. They helped me with transportation and came along so I wasn’t alone.

Glenn’s basketball team won a gold medal. And you won a gold medal. How do you feel about that?

Well, in real life, he went his way and I went my way. [Pause and Laugh] No, I’m kidding! It was terrific. You know, Glenn told me something to be proud of – we are both gold medal Army veterans of two different wars. When has that happened before?

After Birmingham, Glenn also took me to the Huntsman Games in Utah. I won two gold medals there, in the 50 and the 100. I also went to the Florida Senior Games in Clearwater in December. It was colder there than in Utah, but I ran my races and met more nice people.

You now have a goal to keep going. You can qualify in 2018 to go to the National Senior Games in Albuquerque in 2019.

Albuquerque? That’s interesting. Where’s the oxygen tank?

[Laugh] You are really something, Mary! It is indeed at higher altitude, but there have been masters track events there. It hasn’t been a problem for seniors when they hydrate and get acclimated for a day before competing.

Oh, good. I’m interested then. [Pause] If I’m still here. [Laugh]

Mike Stacks, 52, Birchwood, Tennessee

When Mike Stacks crossed the finish line with the top overall time for the triathlon-by more than two minutes-at the 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana, it caused a double-take among many longtime competitors.

Who was that guy? How was he able to eat up those hills and leave everyone behind in the cycling stage?

In fact, at 52, Mike had just become of age to qualify for Senior Games, and it’s logical that younger athletes would log the best times. The remarkable part for the other athletes was that he had only started competing with 5K road races less than six years before his triumph in Birmingham. But, as we found out during the following conversation with Mike, his performance was most remarkable for the way he has turned his life around after sinking into a deepening rut for over two decades.

Not long ago, Mike would have never dreamed of such an accomplishment. In fact, his health and fitness was a tangled mess. He had been smoking and using smokeless tobacco since his teens, and had settled into a sedentary life after starting a family and focusing on his career as an electrician. After he turned 40, the pounds really started to add up, and a regular drinking habit had gotten out of control. He knew that he had to do something about the road he was taking, and that he needed a new course of action.

After continued pleading from his daughter to do something about his drinking, and with the patient support of his wife, Mike finally checked into a 30-day alcoholic rehabilitation program offered by his employer. He started working out to fight boredom, and then on a field trip to a nature area he asked God to help him get back on track. These actions provided all the motivation he needed to take control of his life.

Mike had some high school running experience, and had played football while in the Marines with teams on the bases where he served, but his first thought to stay fit was to simply grab a backpack and seek the solitude of the woods on a regular basis. Then, a friend loaned him a mountain bike, and he started that activity too. Next, his company organized a 5K running team for a charity event, so Mike gave it a shot. When he came in at a respectable time with little race experience, he started to see a pathway. With better finishes in subsequent races, he decided to take on a triathlon to see how he would do. The rest, as we say, is history. In less than five years since deciding to try racing, he was standing on the podium at the National Senior Games receiving a gold medal in one of the toughest sports he could have chosen.

There’s a lot more to Mike’s story, as you will hear in his own words below. Watch Mike cross the finish line in this video recap of the triathlon at The Games, which will set the tone for you to truly appreciate how far he has come.

No one is more surprised than Mike is about the turn of events, and he counts his blessings every day for fighting out of the hole he had made for himself. He wants to be an inspiration by example, and hopes that his story will help others realize that they can overcome similar challenges and achieve an active, healthy balance that can last a lifetime. Mike Stacks has discovered the keys to a Personal Best life.

Mike, you seem to have come out of nowhere to finish first overall in the National Senior Games triathlon. How long have you been competing?

I’m going on six years, and this was my first triathlon at Nationals. So far, besides 5Ks, I’ve done one full 140.6 mile Ironman, five 70.3 Ironman races and several Olympic and sprint distance races. I’m one of the babies. It’s inspiring to see the 70- and 80-year-olds doing this. It just makes me want to stay with it.

The triathlon is one of the most physically demanding sports. Why did you take it on?

I think about that a lot, and part if it is that I get bored quick. With this, you have three different things to train for-swim, bike, run. I’m outside and there’s always something new going on, so I don’t get bored.

Sounds like you are an undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder kid.

Oh, yeah. I’m ate up with it! [Laugh]

Are you a native of the South?

Actually, I was born in Rhode Island. My father was in the Navy, and I was adopted. We moved to Jacksonville, Florida when I was five, and then went to Decatur, Alabama four years later when he retired. That’s where my mother was from, and I pretty much grew up there.

Well, that explains how a guy born in Rhode Island gets that nice Southern drawl.

Yeah, and my wife is from Tennessee, too. We met while I was in the Marines in North Carolina, and we got married three months after I got out.

Do you have a sports background that prepared you for this?

I loved to run and jump as far back as I can remember. I had a 10-speed bike, and I thought I knew how to swim. At least I knew how not to drown. [Laugh] I ran cross country in high school, but I really wasn’t that great as an athlete. And even though I ran, I also smoked and used smokeless tobacco.

I went into the Marine Corps ten days after I graduated from high school, and was in for four years. Each base had a football team, so I played tackle football while I was stationed in North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan. I was in good shape and worked out, even though I still smoked and drank some – probably more than I should have. But I enjoyed my time in the service, it gave me structure.

But I stopped all my physical activity when I got out of the Marines in 1987. I got a job, got married, and started a family. We adopted two boys and had one of our own. They stayed active playing baseball, football and soccer. They came first. I reckon I lived my athletic life through them. I got away from being active and started doing nothing and gaining weight. My idea of exercise was push mowing the yard.

So, I was just working most of the time, then coming home and drinking every night. I still smoked and dipped tobacco, and the weight started coming on. It went on and on like that until 2007. Just work, smoke, dip and drink. And gain weight. [Pause] 20 years of doing nothing. 

What turned you around?

This is the part I enjoy talking about. In 2007, I was into heavy drinking. Fact of the matter, I was an alcoholic. I had gotten up to 230 pounds and didn’t feel good about it. My daughter was in the third grade at the time, and she kept saying, “Daddy, you have to quit drinking.” I wasn’t a mean drunk or anything, I just drank and fell asleep. But the reminders finally hit me that I had to do something about it.

I found out about a wonderful drug and alcohol rehab program offered by Norfolk Southern, my employer. I filled out the paperwork and entered rehab the next day. I was there for 30 days and got sober. I’ve stayed that way for over ten years now.

While I was in the program, I had time on my hands so I started to work out in the little gym they had set up in there.  I did some weight lifting and treadmill to pass time. I was so out of shape I couldn’t run, but I walked some.  I rode the exercise bike a little bit, too.  But I got up to doing gym two-a-days and the weight started coming off.

Also, they took us out to Cade’s Cove every weekend for an outing. It’s a beautiful valley in Tennessee that was donated to the public to keep it natural. There are a lot of old structures there, and on the second trip I went out to the sawmill. There was a path going down to the creek with a little bench at the end. I sat down there, and then asked God to turn my life around. And boy, did He! The Lord has blessed me. I give Him all the glory.

 

So your daughter and spirituality set you on a straight course. How did you then set a course to competitive sports?

When I got out of rehab, I had lost 30 pounds. I thought, ‘Wow, this is pretty cool. But what am I gonna do now?’ I needed a hobby, and I had really enjoyed spending time in the woods on those trips to Cade’s Cove. So I started backpacking in the wilderness, and it sorta became my life for the next four years. I put a lot of miles down hiking, and that kept the weight off. I had smoked and used smokeless tobacco for years. I put all that down and started exercising and eating right. I’ve lost a total of 55 pounds now.

In 2011, this guy gave me an old Huffy mountain bike. I thought that was pretty cool activity, so I got my own bike. After doing that awhile, I decided to run a bit, and I enjoyed that too. Then, at work they advertised that the company would donate $1,000 to charity if we got together a team to do this 5K. My first thought was ‘I am not a good runner. There’s no way I can do a 5K.’ But I decided to join in and give it a shot.

The race was in March of 2012, and I started running in January to get ready. All I could do was a half a mile, then I’d have to walk half a mile. But I was able to do the race by March. There were 500 people there, and I ended in 210th place overall, and 12th in my age group. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s pretty good.’ That’s when it hooked me.

I went online and found out where the next race was. I placed a little better in that one, and then I did even better with the next one. I started thinking something was happening here, and I’m getting closer and closer to the podium.  That’s when I started taking an interest in triathlon.

But you said you weren’t much of a swimmer. That’s quite a challenge.

Well, it was a challenge. And it’s still a challenge. [Laugh] Our gym had a 25-yard pool, so I got in and tried it. That first time was like ‘Oh no, I can’t do this!’ I was struggling to breathe and really thought I was drowning. Everything was all wrong.  So, I got on YouTube and found some swimming videos. That’s how I learned to swim. [Laugh] 

I’ve done some clinics since then, and I can do it now, but I’m a middle-of-the-pack swimmer. It’s all technique, and I need more coaching on how to be more efficient. But yeah, swimming was a huge struggle when I got started.

Well, the beauty of triathlon is there are three disciplines. If you are good at one or two, it can cover up the sins of the other.

Ab-so-lutely. That happens all the time, people having a weak discipline and a strong discipline. The one I hear people saying they struggle with most is the swim. Now, the upper echelon triathletes don’t seem to have that problem.

My first triathlon was the Run For God sprint race in July, 2012, right down the road in Dalton Georgia. I think I finished in an hour and five minutes and came in 12th place overall.

Not bad for your first one!

Oh, yeah, I loved it. And I had four or five couples come from my church to cheer for me, which really meant a lot. That’s one race I’ll do every year.

My second race, I came in first in my age group. In 2013, I did six tris, and in 2014 I added a full Ironman competition. I guess I’ve done 50 races so far. This past year, I made the podium in all but one race.

You are hitting your stride. And you came in first overall at the National Senior Games in Birmingham. That was a challenging course. Why do you think you did so well there?

Well, my strength is bicycling on hills. I live near Chattanooga. It’s mostly rolling hills, and I train up and down on them every day. The terrain of this course was just like at home, so the race set up pretty good for me. The run was fairly flat, which was a bonus. And the swim, well, that’s always going to be a struggle anywhere. [Laugh]

Take us through your race experience.

When I came out of the water, I figured there had to be five or six people ahead of me. I’m used to being in the middle of the pack, but when I got through the transition to the bike, I didn’t see anyone ahead of me. When I got onto the rolling hills I could see one bike ahead of me, and there was also a guy on a motorcycle, who I figured was a referee making sure nobody was drafting on another and stuff like that. I caught the bike at the turnaround – he’s a super nice guy from New York state, tremendous swimmer- and then I came around a curve and there was that motorcycle again. That’s when it hit me that I was the lead guy. That got me real excited and set up the rest of my game. I got it into my head to try to go catch that cycle. I knew that would happen if I ever got the lead! [Laugh]

Anyway, I gave it all on the biking, which was good because there was a 60-year-old guy who had the fastest run. I was very happy, especially because my wife was there at the finish line. It was pretty cool. You know, the only thing that would have made it better would be if y’all had put a tape across the finish line so I could break through it. [Laugh]

We’ll work on that! Was there anything else special about the National Senior Games?

What really caught me was that there were so many happy people there. When you go to most races, you see almost everyone going around with their competition faces on. These older people are also competitive, but really seem to enjoy life. They don’t quit, and they support each other. That’s what it’s all about right there.

You know, the 87-year-old man who came in last got as big an ovation as you got for coming in first.

I saw that. The majority of the folks there hung around and went to the finish line to cheer him in. That really says something about these games. You know, I looked up that guy, Frank Farrar. He’s been doing this for many years, and he used to be the governor of South Dakota! I had to get a picture taken with him.

So, the older athletes motivate you?

Oh yeah, they inspire me. They’re so full of spirit, and everybody just looks good. I see them and think, ‘I want to be doing what I’m doing now when I’m their age.’ I know how bad I used to feel. I know what I used to look like, and how much hard work it took to get to where I am now. I don’t want to lose that. I want to keep going. Now I know it’s possible.

Are you an inspiration to others at home?

A lot of people know what I am doing, and some do come up to me for advice. But I don’t go out and impose myself on anybody. I just try to live the life and will help others by example to learn what I’ve learned. You know, like a mentor. I’ve even had bodybuilders ask me about cardio work. It feels good to help others.

I thank God every day for hearing my prayer for help when I was sitting on that bench and getting sober. I thank Him every day for keeping me healthy. And I’m praying that I’ve got a long road ahead. My long-term goal is to make it to be 100 years old, and if I can still do a triathlon, that would just be a bonus! [Laugh]

Carol Klenfner, 72, New York City, New York

Carol Klenfner knows it’s only table tennis, but she likes it.

With age, everyone has a story to tell, but we suspect only Carol can say she’s been in the world of rock and roll, and now rocks out playing table tennis in the National Senior Games. Sounds glamourous, but it would take a very bumpy patch of midlife challenges to reshape her life in unexpected and rewarding ways.

As a young adult, the home-grown New Yorker scrapped her way into public relations, seeing it was a profession where women could be managers and executives. Hard work in entry-level jobs got her referred to a large agency that exclusively handled tour publicity for rock and roll bands, spawning a whirlwind career. Carol worked with many of the most famous acts of the 70s, including Elton John, The Who, Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull and the Eagles, among dozens of others. She played the game smart, and succeeded as a professional woman in a wild industry.

Carol moved on to become a top executive at a prestigious firm, serving a broad range of clients. Over the next four decades, she was grateful for marriage, two daughters and a solid career, proud to have succeeded in her native New York City.

In 2009, at age 64, her life started to fall apart. After recuperating from a recent back surgery, Carol had to endure the loss of her ailing husband. The situation required her to find a more affordable place to live. Bad news came in threes, as Carol was then shocked to find she was being laid off from her job. At her age, she knew finding a comparable position would be difficult if not impossible.  As the following conversation relates, she felt like she was in solitary confinement, struggling to gather strength as she set up a boutique PR business working from her dining table.

To overcome the cloud of grief and isolation, Carol knew she had to get out of the home and find something to be engaged in. She caught a PBS documentary that profiled seniors in a table tennis tournament, and old memories of having fun playing ping pong as a kid bubbled up. The program moved her to check out Spin, New York’s popular table tennis-themed lounge and club. She and a friend loved the experience and worked their way into league play. Three years later, Carol has gained confidence and experience in two US Open national table tennis tournaments, qualifying in New York’s Empire State Games, and competing in the 2017 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

Carol Klenfner now wonders if table tennis saved her life in a way, and she feels like a rock star among her age peers who marvel at her renewed passion for life and dedication to pursue a sport. But she doesn’t consider herself that special, and reminds others to find their own way to “move a muscle, change a mood.” Carol found her Personal Best, and hopes she is an inspiration for others to pursue theirs.

 

OK, let’s get the glitter right out on the table. How did you become a rock and roll PR pioneer?

The music business in the grand old days of rock and roll in the 70s was like the wild west.  There was no playbook. We were making it up as we went along – and we had a blast along the way.  

When I started working as a receptionist at a radio station, it seemed to me that public relations was one of the few business areas where women were the heads of a department. I decided to use my writing samples and go into PR.

I started at a book publishing company, then worked for a firm involved with statewide labor union elections. I then got a job with the American Cancer Society, where one task was to book celebrities to speak at the local chapter’s annual luncheon. I always loved entertainment, and I realized being around the kind of people I was calling on was where I wanted to be.

With luck and pluck I found my way into the New York office of a big PR agency that exclusively handled rock and roll bands. One of my earliest gigs on the way up was doing press for the first Rock and Roll Revival at Madison Square Garden. I had the privilege of escorting Bill Haley around New York City for interviews.  He was a real Southern gentleman.

Over those years I handled PR for at least 50 of the biggest rock bands —Elton John, Cat Stevens, Jethro Tull, Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Aerosmith, Traffic, Pink Floyd, Yes, the Eagles…I could go on.

 

Did you get to interact with the artists very much?

I did, but I kept it very professional. I was a young woman in rock and roll, and it was a man’s world. But I wanted to be taken seriously. One of my claims to fame is that I could talk my way backstage if my name wasn’t on the list without compromising myself. I said “talk.” [Laugh]

I wasn’t looking to get really close with them, I just wanted to be around all of it. I did well because I was smart about it. And I knew I had the kind of job every kid in America wanted to do at that time. I have a lot of stories from those days. 

 

Any particular memories come to mind?

I enjoyed working with Elton John back then. He was great. The Rolling Stones were also amazing. Keith Moon of The Who came to dinner with us one night and insisted on clearing the table and doing the dishes. He had such good manners! [Hearty Laugh]

It was also fun flying on Led Zeppelin’s jet and I stood in the wings during their stadium show in Philadelphia. Before he went onstage, Robert Plant borrowed my hair brush, and for years I treasured it with its golden curls.  Another time, David Bowie was my client for an epic party onboard the SS Rotterdam docked on the Hudson. Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon with a small group of key press. Bowie floated above, very otherworldly and unreachable. The best thing about that awkward party was the leftovers which my friend and I downed at my kitchen table after the party. Four bottles of Dom champagne and an unopened tin of Black Sea beluga caviar, which we ate by the shovelful.

My husband signed the Blues Brothers to Atlantic Records, and we became friends with Belushi and Aykroyd. John’s widow is a friend, and I’m still in touch with Dan.  I mean, there is glitter in what I did, but I never tried to puff it up, you know.

 

Fascinating. But we’re equally interested to know how you became a Senior Games athlete.

Well, I wasn’t completely new to table tennis. I grew up in the suburbs of Queens playing stick ball and punch ball in the streets. When we got home from school, we did our homework and went out to play. I was a real tomboy. One Christmas, I asked my parents for a baseball mitt instead of a doll.

When I was 12, my family moved to a different neighborhood in Queens and that was rough. But one day the doorbell rang and there were two moving men with a huge flat carton. The house had a finished basement, and my dad’s Uncle Max had sent us a surprise housewarming gift- a ping pong table!

Playing ball and ping pong was among the very few things my older brother and I enjoyed doing together. Usually he preferred teasing and breaking my things. So, the table was a wonderful gift and we had a lot of fun with it.

 

Did you get into any organized sports?

Sports opportunity came crashing to a stop in college when I was in a car accident. My hip was dislocated, and after five months on crutches, the doctors advised to take it easy and avoid impact like running or jogging – for the rest of my life.

 

So how did you become an athlete after the age of 60?

The way I found table tennis again is interesting.

In 2009, the bottom dropped out of my life. I had recently been through back surgery, and then my husband died after a difficult period when he was in and out of the hospital. It was a crazy time. I had to pack up the family apartment and find myself an affordable rental in Manhattan.

Then, three months after he died, in the middle of the Great Recession, I got laid off my full-time job at a PR agency.  The industry got hit hard and I knew someone was going to go, but I never thought it would be me. I’ve watched that TV show Survivor since it first went on. I thought

I played a good social game, but I didn’t realize the target was on my back because I was a senior employee with a high salary. I didn’t see it coming.  

I’ll never forget how alone and empty I felt schlepping my file cartons of work stuff back to my little apartment. I started doing my PR work freelance off my dining table. Eventually I had a couple of clients, but I knew that at my age and in that market, getting a full-time job wasn’t going to happen.

After a 35-year marriage, and 45 years working in an office surrounded by people, I was alone. Depression is not my thing, but I did feel terribly lonely and isolated. It was like solitary confinement. I wasn’t sure what was ahead for me, but I knew I needed to get out of the house.

 

So what pointed you to table tennis?

Four years ago, I stumbled across a British PBS TV documentary called “Ping Pong” about something called the World Veteran Tournament with people from 80 up to a hundred years old playing competitive table tennis.

But they weren’t just competing for medals, they were fighting for life. I understood that. Sometimes you have to fight to live.

 

You saw them as fighting for their life?

For the four people that were featured in the documentary, it was not just a game to them. It was grabbing ahold of life and refusing to let go.

After seeing that documentary, I knew it was a sport with a future, and so began my journey.

My friend Stephanie Palewski-Brumbach, who had also grown up in Queens, and I went to check out Spin, the ping pong club and restaurant owned by Susan Sarandon. We liked it, and thought we were good enough to try out for the women’s league. We were thrilled when we were admitted. So, I started playing more, and since I was freelancing I had the time to work at getting better.

Over the next year or so, I got tired of losing, got myself a coach, and started to win an occasional game. What a feeling! After losing a match to Jean Lim, one of the fierce young players in the women’s league, I told her I admired her focus and admitted my ambivalence about being willing to win. She replied, “If you want to win, you have to identify your opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them.” The way she said “exploit them” made me feel queasy.

 

So, you literally had to learn how to be competitive?

I’d been brought up to be a people pleaser. The best times with my brother were when we played sports. He was my first coach, and he taught me a lot. But for so much of my childhood I was kind of made to stay out of his way, and I was deferring to him. I’m still working to make winning feel comfortable.

In March 2016, I played my first official tournament, learning that in my category (the lowest) I could be playing all ages unless it’s a seniors event. I frequently played kids as young as 9, which is humbling because they came with their own cheering section – dad, mom, aunts & uncles, and shopping bags filled with snacks.  I’ve lost some and won some. Winning is better!

I enjoyed playing the Empire State Senior Games in Cortland, and then I played in the US Open in Las Vegas. There were 200 tables set up in the convention center. Wow.

 

You made it to the National Senior Games this year. How different was that from your experience with all-age tournaments?

It was just fantastic being surrounded by people who were so happy to be there and so happy to participate. And some of them were older than myself! [Laugh] It gives me something to aspire to. When I do all ages tournaments, not only am I a woman, I’m also one of the oldest people there. At the Senior Games, I’m just another grateful athlete.

 

You won a ribbon at The Games. Is your goal to come back and get a medal?

I tell you, I was thrilled to win that ribbon at Nationals. I brag about it! [Chuckle] My goal right now is just to get better and improve my rating. My goal is to just keep going up. I’m working with my wonderful coach Matthew Khan twice a week, and I’m looking to play smarter rather than for longer hours.

One thing I’ve discovered in the process is that for me, the word “play” is one of the best four-letter words.

 

[Laugh] That’s great – never heard that one before!

That’s my line, and I take credit for it. Because I’m so humble. [Laugh]

Table tennis has introduced me to a new world of people who are smart, interesting and off-beat — plus I’ve got a couple of gold medals, a trophy, a ribbon and grand prize money totaling all of 30 bucks!

 

This does bring up a serious question: What does “play” really mean to you?

Hmmm. It means joy. It means losing myself in the moment. It’s flow. Nothing else matters when I’m playing.

 

So, do you feel like a rock star when you step out to play?

I don’t think there are a lot of rock stars, you know, household names, in the table tennis community. [Chuckle] It’s not a glamour sport. It’s an odd collection of wonderful people. But as an athlete, I do feel like a rock star among my contemporaries because there are very few people I know in my age group here in New York who are doing this kind of thing. Especially since I’ve come to this at such a late age. I’ve only been playing seriously for three years.

 

Many think they can’t do what you have done – pick up a sport after 50. What would you say to those people?

Find something you like to do and get better at it. Our bodies were made to move. To me, being physically active, even going for a walk, changes your outlook.

There’s a saying: “Move a muscle, change your mood.” That’s what I believe in. Just keep moving.

 

What other inspirations that have helped you to survive and cope through the challenges of life?

My mom was my inspiration. After my dad died, she moved into Manhattan from the suburbs and wanted to do things for herself. She had been a very successful piano teacher in Brooklyn before my brother and I came along, and she went back to it at around the same age I am now, and continued until she was 78. That kind of independence, that ‘reinvent yourself’ spirt, was so inspiring to me.

Another one comes to mind: I was at a dinner a year ago and we were talking about table tennis. One of the guests was Ken Frank, a well-known psychologist and psychoanalyst. He said, “You know, you have gotten something a lot of people don’t get- a second chance at life.” It refocused everything for me. I saw him six months later and thanked him for such a generous statement. He got pensive and replied, “It’s not just that you got a second chance. You took it. Not everybody does.”

 

Of course, you have gained significant health benefits.

Oh yes. Given my age and the things we all deal with, I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been of my life because of table tennis. It has also improved me mentally. I’m more focused and my ability to catch on to things is faster. I see a difference.

 

Chasing a little white ball going 60 miles an hour will do that for you!

Right! I can keep my eye on the ball now. And there’s so much going on around it. I just love the learning. It’s a complete thrill. I would say it’s one of the best things in my life. It’s the thing that gives me the most pleasure. There are times I am so damn happy that I’m playing, taking lessons, making friends. It just makes me happy. I don’t know if it saved my life, but it might have.

Truthfully, I hope I go out playing table tennis. [Laugh]

 

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