How much inspiration can be packed into two weeks?

Approximately 12,000 athletes aged 50 to 102 recently converged on Ft. Lauderdale to run, swim, dink, shoot, spike, putt, throw and strive toward personal bests as they competed in over twenty sports.

Yes, 102.  Oldest athlete honors were bestowed on North Carolina golfer Lindsay Tate, who shot  58, 58, and 61 on 9-hole rounds.

While we didn’t witness Lindsay’s performance, being one of the “team moms” to the Tennessee contingent lent itself to such a joyful, cherished experience. 

Traveling from venue to venue, we sought out athletes in Tri-Star shirts and loved hearing “Hey, come watch me play“, or “take a look at my medal”, as we traded celebratory hugs. 

Motivating to the core, days spent at Nationals are always truly special.

For example, one favorite remembrance easily includes our oldest athletes as they carried in the TN Flag for the Celebration of Athletes. 

Filling this role was 95-year-old swimmer Joe Daws and 93-year-old track athlete Lillian Atchley. A goosebump-worthy moment occurred as the crowd realized that these two were the oldest flag bearers from any state. 

Their rousing standing ovation meant the world to these nonagenarians.

At the other end of the age spectrum, another extraordinary moment arose as our 50+ women’s 4.0 pickleball players furiously fought their way to gold. 

The match was positively riveting and close, including an almost match-ending injury.  Truly sitting on the edge of our seats and cheering along with every point as the match went into the third tie-breaking game, we jumped wildly about as these ladies secured victory. 
The joy on the faces of Tracy Watson and Tami Holden was palpable for all.

Medical comeback stories provide us all with the reassurance that all is not lost. At our state finals last year, we met James Krenis (56), the model of health and fitness, who amazed us by competing in multiple events. 

However, after the conclusion of events, his body told him otherwise. Wisely, he decided to follow his instincts and sought out medical advice.  A triple by-pass followed. 

Determined to get back in shape, the goal of Nationals pulled him along.  Amazingly, he pulled in medals for track, tennis, swimming, and pickleball to name a few.

Speaking of medical comebacks, the amazing cover photo features 84 year-old swimmer Barbara Dillard, who has been fighting breast cancer.  Pure grit and determination have propelled Barbara to great heights of accomplishment.

Oh, how I wish I had the space to detail the numerous stories encompassing the 363 medals that Tennessee hauled back (143 gold; 116 silver; and 108 bronze.).

This landed us in FIFTH place out of 50 states.  Top 10%!

Results and Photos

 Here is a link to access overall results by sport, as well as our photo album.

For those of you who might be reading from another state, please take time to browse through all of the results to soak in the names and accomplishments of athletes residing coast-to-coast.

We are so proud of each athlete!  This arena truly affords the appreciation of jaw-dropping performances.  However, as stated in previous posts, all skill levels emerge at Senior Olympic/Games events.  For instance, many competitors obtained ribbons  for placing 4^th-8^th in their respective age groups.

The bottom line though revolves around the fact that each individual who traveled, competed, and attempted to do his or her best is a winner.

Next Nationals

The next National Senior Games is slated for 2023 in Pittsburgh.  Normally, this is a biennial event on odd years but with pandemic disruptions,  it has been necessary to host games in 2022 and 2023 to get back on track.

To qualify for the 2023 Nationals, it is necessary to participate in a state qualifying event.

For TN residents, while most entry deadlines have passed, there is still the opportunity to play pickleball from August 5-7 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.  Deadline June 29.  In addition, cycling events will take place on September 10th and 11th in the Knoxville area, with a registration deadline of August 19.  Register today!

Never Stop Playing!