Athlete of the Month
Each month, NSGA selects an interesting athlete to highlight from the vast diversity of people who participate in National Senior Games. These stories demonstrate the spirit of The Games and the benefits of fitness, fun and fellowship that athletes enjoy through their competitive efforts. Everyone has a story to share – what’s yours?
Click Here to submit your information, or nominate someone who inspires you!
Use the search box to find athletes by name or year of story.
The Driving Force of Positivity March 2023 Athlete of the Month
Paula Franetti, 67 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania To see Paula Franetti mixing it up in women’s basketball competition at the National Senior Games last year, we marveled that the Pittsburgh native had worked her way back to a fully active life after a horrific car crash. In September 2016 Paula was driving to her Pittsburgh office when
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Around the World in Wavy Ways Athlete of the Month February 2023
Chuck DiMeglio, 62 McLean, Virginia Chuck DiMeglio admits he’s a detail-oriented guy who is driven by challenges. Like keeping records of his lifetime swims and achieving the goal of “swimming around the world” in 2022 at age 62. If you’re counting, that’s 1.75 million pool lengths to get around the globe. And Chuck loves to
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Pickleball + Airstream = A Lovely Way to Play January 2023 Athlete of the Month
Gene Berg, 70 Margaret Berg, 61 Litchfield, New Hampshire Many senior athletes travel to multiple events each year to enjoy the competition and camaraderie. Noticing a shiny Airstream travel trailer with New Hampshire plates glinting in the sun at the 2022 Georgia Golden Olympics reminded us that some go the RV route and travel in
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Gary Patton Refines and Finds Success December 2022 Athlete of the Month
Gary Patton, 77 Rock Rapids, Iowa Gary Patton never dreamed he would one day be an elite athlete. “I was 4 foot 11 in high school and underdeveloped. I was not athlete material at all.” Now 5’4” at the age of 76, Gary has become a tall figure in mid distance running, finding himself on
- Published in Athlete of the Month
100 Reasons to Keep Swimming – November 2022 Athlete of the Month
Charlotte Sanddal, 100, Helena, Montana When she first jumped into a pool to learn to swim at the age of 72, Charlotte Sanddal was only thinking about finding a way to stay healthy and active. Then when she began competing in the Montana Senior Olympics in 1994, she earned her first medal and was hooked
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Doug’s Life Reset Leads to Pickleball…and the Stratosphere October 2022 Athlete of the Month
Doug Dvorak, 62, Donelly, Idaho Doug Dvorak loves playing pickleball, and his passion for the game comes from a series of life challenges he says he overcame by taking up the popular sport. Speaking from a hotel room in Philadelphia, Doug demonstrates his obsession. “Guess what I have with me?” he asks. “My pickleball paddle! I
- Published in Athlete of the Month
An Olympian “Pinging” it Forward – September 2022 Athlete of the Month
Lily Yip, 59 Dunellen, New Jersey There was a buzz in the hall when Lily Yip stepped up to play table tennis at the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. After all, it’s not every day you can watch an Olympian play. The Chinese born ace always excelled at table tennis and started playing professionally
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Tennis = Life August 2022 Athlete of the Month
Jim Siegel, 75 Milwaukee, Wisconsin You must have passion to stay with a sport. That passion can be about the need for competition, being socially connected with others with the same interest, or it can be as basic as enjoying an activity for what it does for your health and wellness. “Without passion you
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Leading by Example – July 2022 Athlete of the Month
Lynn Roman, 52 Baden, Pennsylvania Lynn Roman stood smiling on the beach in Key Biscayne as dawn was breaking on the 2022 National Senior Games triathlon competition. We had to ask what was on her mind. “This is my first time to National Senior Games. I didn’t even know they existed a year ago!” Having
- Published in Athlete of the Month, Uncategorized
“Jamaica Bob” Blends Music and Sport with Spirit June 2022 Athlete of the Month
Bob Griffiths, 62, Riverside, California “Don’t worry…about a thing…cause every little thing gonna be alright.” Attendees to the 2022 Celebration of Athletes were soothed by the words of Bob Marley that were sung by track sprinter Bob Griffiths, who also energized the crowd with his words of encouragement. The teacher, worship leader and certified wellness coach
- Published in Athlete of the Month
