If you’ve ever felt it was hard to pick up a new competitive
activity, these Westminster-Canterbury residents are proving it’s never too late.
They’re taking personal fitness to the next level and racing to victory on land
and sea.
Race walker Ellen Stott believes in the physical and mental benefits of her sport. She participates in at least three races per year, from 5k’s to half marathons and walks on her own to stay in shape just to be outdoors. “Exercise just makes you happy. I stay motivated by setting measurable and attainable goals for each race.”
Her first competition in 2014 was the “Virginia is For Lovers” race in Virginia Beach. She finished first in her age group.
“At the Virginia Senior Games in May I learned how to race walk just a few minutes before the race and immediately loved it,” she recalls. “Racing gets me excited and keeps me moving.”
Race walker Ellen Stott believes in the physical and mental benefits of her sport. She participates in at least three races per year, from 5k’s to half marathons and walks on her own to stay in shape just to be outdoors. “Exercise just makes you happy. I stay motivated by setting measurable and attainable goals for each race.”
Her first competition in 2014 was the “Virginia is For Lovers” race in Virginia Beach. She finished first in her age group.
“At the Virginia Senior Games in May I learned how to race walk just a few minutes before the race and immediately loved it,” she recalls. “Racing gets me excited and keeps me moving.”
Most recently, Ellen competed in the Wicked 10k in Virginia Beach, placing second in her age group, and she’s looking forward to her 2015 season.
Joan Averette and Al Newbury compete in the water, swimming on
the Virginia Masters Swim Team. They train at Great Neck Recreation Center, participate
in meets across the state and have qualified for the National Senior Games
alongside some of the best adult swimmers in the world.
“I’ve always been involved in sports in some way and began swimming when I was 10 years old,” says Joan. “The team gives me an outlet to continue doing what I love and stay in shape.”
Al Newbury took up swimming later in life to rehab after a hip replacement. It turned into a passion, and today Al is striving to break into the top 10 nationally in his new 80-84 year old age group in the 200-meter backstroke. He is currently ranked ninth nationally in the 75-79 year-old age group. “After two hip replacements, I couldn’t play the contact sports I enjoyed in high school and college, but when I get in the water the pain goes away and I can move effortlessly.”
Al and Joan describe swimming as a “lifetime sport.” “It’s
not about age,” says Joan. “It’s about your mentality and how your body and
mind feel staying involved, active and enjoying sport and competition.”
Most recently Al and Joan competed in the Virginia Masters Swim Team (VMST) Fall Meet in Virginia Beach. Joan won her age group for the 50-meter freestyle and 50 meter breaststroke, and Al took home gold for the 200-meter backstroke.
Next time a new class at the gym or sport feels intimidating, consider the accomplishments and mindsets of these outstanding Westminster-Canterbury athletes.
