Senior Athletes Stay Active at the Golden Olympics

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – At 71 years old, Mike Perry is going for the gold. He’s trained for months for the Golden Olympics; perfecting his free throw shot, to compete against some of the best and oldest athletes across the state.

“You can either use it or lose it,” he said.

Born in 1942, Perry’s an amateur, compared to the 450 seniors who participate each year. However, that hasn’t stopped him.

On Saturday, his wife Carole cheered him on from the sidelines. The 73-year-old ran and placed in the 5k race Saturday morning.

“I finished it, I completed it and I’m proud and I have a medal and I’m gonna be here next year,” she said.

Before the weekend was over, the two would share the honors. Perry took home the gold in the free throw category.

“But I already won just participating and being around these people, they’re just different,” he said, “they’re competitive, they’re active.”

This year’s Golden Olympics included new events like ballroom dancing and pickle ball, a cross between tennis and ping pong.

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