(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Athletes from across Colorado recently gathered in Southern Colorado to compete in the second annual Colorado Senior Games. Participants demonstrated that the drive to compete continues regardless of age, testing their skills in various sports and events.
The games showcased individuals like an 80-year-old powerlifter and a 92-year-old softball player, highlighting the enduring competitive spirit among older adults.
The second annual Colorado Senior Games featured a wide array of sports, including powerlifting, pickleball, basketball, and softball.
The event brought together older athletes from across the state to engage in friendly yet serious competition.
Donna Guthrie, an 80-year-old powerlifting athlete, started the sport in January for her 80th birthday. She trains four days a week.
Guthrie views powerlifting as a new challenge. “I decided for my 80th birthday, I would take up powerlifting. So, I’ve been powerlifting since January. Four days a week. Getting ready for this and trying it out as a little challenge of 80,” Guthrie said. “I just read something that said strong is the new pretty.”
Guthrie has a history of setting new goals for each decade of her life. “When I turned 50, I walked five miles in the 50 states. When I turned 60, I did a triathlon, a small triathlon. When I was 70. I started off by hiking all of the national parks with my husband, so this was 80,” Guthrie stated.
Faith O’Reilly, an 82-year-old powerlifting athlete, aimed to qualify for a national powerlifting competition during the games. O’Reilly currently lifts 75 pounds.
“75 is the most I’ve lifted lately. I used to lift 125, but I’m 82,” O’Reilly said. She also expressed her ambition to continue competing. “Well, until I can’t lift anymore, I guess. I mean, I want to keep going, and I’d like to set Colorado records for the 90s.” Staying active helps keep her spirits lifted and provides practical benefits. “It keeps you strong. You know, it’s easier to pick up your grandkids or your great-grandkids when you’re stronger.”
The Senior Games also featured other sports, including basketball. Darrick Williams participated in the basketball competition.
Williams noted that the games allow him to maintain his competitive spirit. “I play with guys who are in their 60s and 70s back in Santa Fe, and it lets me know that I can play this game until I die. And so, the Senior Olympics allows me to keep that competitive spirit, that competitive fire, and also have fun,” Williams said.
In the softball competition, 92-year-old Barbara Johnson played second base. Johnson expressed her love for the sport and noted the physical demands.
“I love everything about softball,” Johnson said. After playing multiple games, Johnson commented, “We played, what, 2 or 3. No wonder I’m tired.”
Johnson emphasized the importance of staying active as one gets older. “The most important thing that an old person can do is just stay active. Because if you keep your mind active or your body active, you won’t go down that old age hill quite so fast,” Johnson said.
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