Hollyce Kirkland, 100, Sevierville, Tennessee The match was set. The anticipated “Battle of the Centenarians” had created a buzz in Albuquerque at the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Media lined up to cover the 50-meter race between 103-year-old Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins and upstart Hollyce Kirkland, who had just reached triple digits. When the

Simeon Gipson, 74, Tahlequah, Oklahoma A highlight of “Indian Day” activities held during the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Albuquerque was a live national broadcast of public radio’s Native America Calling. During the hour-long program, Oklahoma cyclist Simeon Gipson, who is half Cherokee and half Choctaw, captured the audience with his story and

Kate Fisken, 77, Bethesda, Maryland People who know Kate Fisken say she has a heart as big as the ocean. Perhaps that’s why she swims, but it’s really a statement reflecting on the retired Maryland accountant’s lifelong commitment to serve others, which dates back to when President Kennedy called on citizens to do “what you

 “Mr. Impossible” Andy Steinfeldt, 71, Minnetonka, Minnesota People are realizing how much more they can do and achieve in the second half of their lives, and that applies to every senior athlete who is challenging aging stereotypes. When we see stories about Senior Games athletes doing unexpected and sometimes extreme things, we take notice.  In

Bonnie Coleman, 64, Bernalillo, New Mexico “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill When we asked New Mexico Senior Olympics to recommend a female athlete who exemplifies the journey to persevere through obstacles and challenges to enjoy their own optimum health and

Ralph Paytiamo, 81, Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico Ralph Paytiamo is proud of his heritage. With history dating back 2,000 years, New Mexico’s Acoma Pueblo is said by many to be the longest continuously inhabited community in America. While many traditions and cultural practices have survived and there are many strong and wise members to carry

Hope Casias, 76, San Antonio, Texas Sports offers the individual many rewards through setting goals, training and competition. It provides exercise with a purpose, and brings the added benefit of camaraderie among athletes who share the same experiences. Team sports provide an even deeper connection and the added satisfaction that comes from working together. For

Ron Gauvin, 60 & Patti Gauvin, 58, Milton, New Hampshire When Ron Gauvin enters an archery competition, it’s quickly noticed that something special is going on beyond shooting arrows. Despite balance challenges and a paralyzed right arm, Ron manages to get to the line and let fly using a stabilizer bar and a special strap attached

Don Wright, 78, Stillwater, Minnesota Don Wright is literally running for his life. The Minnesota native enjoyed many successful years as an engineer, attorney and father of three. He ran cross country in high school, but career demands kept him from regular exercise and his weight grew as he approached 60. His brother-in-law and wife

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