Table Tennis players Jarol and Leah Duerksen, an Iowa City couple celebrating 66 years of marriage, find a home-court advantage as they compete in the National Senior Games in their own state.
For Jarol and Leah Duerksen, playing Table Tennis at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana is a kind of homecoming. After traveling across the country for their last eight National Senior Games, the Iowa City couple is enjoying the unique opportunity to compete in their own state. 
Des Moines hosting The Games so close to home is a welcome change that allows friends and family to join in on the fun to watch their mixed doubles play and witness the camaraderie.
“I like seeing people that we’ve met before, and sometimes I don’t remember who we met, but they’re always happy to see us,” Leah said. “Having the games in Iowa allows our local community to be a part of the experience,” Jarol added.
The Duerksens have a long history of sharing their passion for table tennis with others. After meeting over a ping-pong game in college 68 years ago, and eventually building their Iowa City house around fitting a table tennis table inside, they regularly open their doors to students and staff from the University of Iowa.
“We’re just living the dream,” Jarol said.
The couple, who will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary in two weeks, credit their long marriage to a shared love for the sport and a deep commitment to one another. “When we made our commitment to each other for better, for worse, we meant it,” Jarol said, emphasizing their philosophy of doing things together.
Their dedication to the sport was highlighted when they were profiled for the 2022 Games Daily News. For more on the Duerksens’ incredible journey, including their “Live Long, Play Pong” mantra, read the original article here.
By: Danielle Brown
