At the National Senior Games, Evelyn Johnson and Charles Waller show that it’s never too late to chase new goals, one step at a time.
Evelyn Johnson made a promise to herself and her Barbados teammates: when she turned 80, she would finally step onto the track. After attending two previous National Senior Games presented by Humana as a spectator and cheerleader, the Barbados native took to the track at Cyclone Sports Complex in Power Walk this year. “I made my debut this morning,” she said proudly. “I promised in 2025, when I turned 80, I would compete.”
Evelyn joined a power walking club after retiring at 65, determined to “age gracefully and increase my mobility.” The sport quickly became more than just exercise, it made everyday tasks easier, connected her to a supportive community, and gave her a reason to move with purpose. Her advice to others is to “just go for it.”
An Accidental Encounter Turns into a Power Walking Career
For 73-year-old Charles Waller of Kentucky, his introduction to the sport came by surprise. While walking a 5K with his wife in his late 40s, he unknowingly entered, and won, the walk division. That unexpected victory ignited a competitive fire that’s still burning strong at his seventh National Senior Games.
Charles credits his friend and mentor Ray Ganong, a strength coach in Louisville, with helping him stay focused and fit. But it’s the people he’s met through power walking who’ve made the deepest impact.
“The friendships and relationships I’ve made in power walking mean a lot,” he said. One even grew from an on-course confrontation. “To make a friendship out of a confrontation is really neat,” he said, remembering his late friend Janet Higbie, who inspired one of his most meaningful races.
Power walking is uniquely accessible, welcoming both beginners like Evelyn and seasoned athletes like Charles. It offers a space to move, connect and compete regardless of age or ability.
By: Gabi Mercurio
