The field portion of Track & Field is often overlooked. Explore the intricacies of discus throwing with gold medalist Hilary Goerge and the meaning of strength with thrower Lisa Shahade.
Hilary Goerge shook his head in disappointment as his second-to-last throw in the men’s 75-79 Discus final landed out of bounds. All eyes were on the 77-year-old, who led the pack of 16 athletes throughout the competition, as he stepped back up for his final throw minutes later.
Hilary Goerge winds up for a throw.
Hilary launched the implement and landed his best throw of the day – and the entire year.
Discus is a highly technical event that requires precision, coordination and strength. Athletes stand in a throwing circle surrounded by a net, then spin one and a half times to build power before throwing the disc as far as possible within a defined area. Even experienced throwers continually refine their technique.
“Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t,” explained Hilary. “I had my fifth one today go out and I thought my last one was going to be there too, but it curved back in. That’s the hardest part, is staying between the lines and having some flight to get the distance, and then the footwork.”
Lisa Shahade at the Cyclone Sports Complex.
The Michigan resident is also competing in Discus and Hammer Throw at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. For him, the camaraderie among throwers is what makes the throwing events special.
Heading over to the women’s throws, we met Pennsylvania athlete Lisa Shahade, who is competing in Hammer Throw, Discus, Shot Put and Javelin – events she feels play well into her physical strength. But, she notes strength is multidimensional.
“Overall, there are varied amounts of strength – you can be physically strong, you can be emotionally strong, and I think you have to be both of those things to be able to compete in anything and be successful.”
Track & Field events showcasing the power and resilience of over 1,500 athletes ages 50 and up will take place at Cyclone Sports Complex in Ames, Iowa, through Aug. 3.
By: Mary Johns
