Senior Athletes Train for Georgia Golden Olympics

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mary Ealer, 71, has been reliving her days as a United States Master Swimmer.

She’s spent the past months conditioning her body to compete among 600 other seniors in the Golden Olympics.

The Georgia Golden Olympics kicks off September 19. It’s a four day competition for adults ages 50 and older. Events include biking, softball, shuffleboard, tennis and wheelchair races and will be held in various locations across Warner Robins.

This is the 30th year for the Georgia Golden Olympics and Ealer’s 10th year participating. But the senior athlete is not too worried about the competition. She says her focus is stay strong.

“I want to improve; I maybe want to take another step faster. I’m always trying to get stronger,” Ealer said. .

She hopes events like this will encourage people to stay active and have fun. She says there is hope after age 60.

“We’re just part of the population that’s aging, age number is irrelevant,” Ealer said.

At 64, Ealer completed her very first triathlon and she was the oldest person in the race. She’s not going to let getting old stop her from going for the gold.

“I have to realize at times I do get tired and I can’t always do what I used to do. But I’m going to keep on trekking as long as I can,” Ealer said.

Ealer credits the Warner Robins community for her strength. She says there are several opportunities for seniors to get healthy including the Golden Olympics.

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” Ealer said.

For a full list of Georgia Golden Olympics events and locations visit the website at www.georgiagoldenolympics.org.