I came onto my sport by chance when I was fifty years old. When I was a child, “exercise” on the central coast of California’s Monterey Peninsula meant nothing more than putting on a wetsuit and heading out for a nice surf. I’ve never placed much importance on working out at the gym and maintaining my physical fitness. I was forced to pursue more intellectual interests since I was the middle child of three; computers, books, and thoughtful discussions were all acceptable interests, but not sports in and of themselves. Despite my parents’ best efforts to the contrary, I was a bookworm growing up and never felt confident. However, once maturity set in, chances for reinvention presented themselves. I started running hesitantly after moving to southern Utah with my family in 2002. I was shocked and surprised when someone said I looked sporty for the first time. After I destroyed my acl in a surfing accident, my doctor advised me to drastically reduce my amount of running time. He advised taking brisk walks. My knees became less painful and stiff as my physical therapy went on, and I was able to walk faster and sense my body returning to its natural state of healing. I put a lot of effort into honing my race walking skills in the next years and participated in competitions all throughout the stunning state of Utah. eventually learning about the Senior Games at the Huntsman World in St. George, Utah. To be honest, I had trouble with the events moniker at first. I was over fifty, so that did meet the definition, but I didn’t feel elderly at all. However, because it did provide me “senior” status and let me to take part, I was prepared to accept the idea of being a senior for the sake of the occasion. My wife Anya, who works as a principal at a well-known charter school in southern Utah, was excited to take part in our community event as well. Since we moved to St. George, Utah, in late 2002, she has competed in several events at the Hunter Games as an active biker and runner. Our first reaction upon arriving at the Dixie Center to register was one of awe. Now, as if experiencing sensory overload, we found ourselves surrounded by a group of physically fit baby boomers. What is the origin of these hundreds of senior athletes? seeming content, in shape, and ready to face life… All we could think of was how we could join them and become a member of their group. The competitors’ camaraderie was palpable, and it was evident that most of them had traveled this path before. Hugs and warm welcomes were shared by coaches, teammates, and friends, along with information on recent contests, health concerns, and in-depth updates on the grandchildren. Seniors who are physically active now choose to go to St. George, Utah, because of the Hunter World Senior Games. Those senior citizens who are brave and self-aware enough to think of participating in an athletic event that would scare others their own age. Study up on St. George, Utah
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