This morning I played table tennis in Pasadena at The Senior Games. I was going to wait a year to enter, but decided to just go for it. My brother died of a stroke at 49, and tomorrow is not promised. I decided to do it for the experience.
The woman in the above photo won Gold. Her name is Bonnie, and she is Taiwanese. She is a spectacular and highly trained player. She was incredibly kind and patient with me. “Stephenie, let’s take a photo together with our medals,” she suggested. I was so touched. I won Silver due to low enrollment.
I visualized winning a medal for weeks before the competition. I thought it was funny that I won one by default, since I was way out of my league. That’s how visualization works, you begin with the end in mind.
My goals were to stay in the game, return all the serves, make all of my serves without errors, and to keep the ball low. I was able to reach those goals. Getting in shape for the tournament took many hours of lessons, coaching, and practice.
Bonnie’s doubles partner played like a confident star in the Men’s Singles. After our match, he shouted out to me, “I can’t believe you’ve only been playing for three months! You have big potential.” That was such a thrilling compliment. Another man told us that he couldn’t believe we were seniors. Bonnie looks about seventeen, with long, firm legs. In the above photo, I am practicing with a talented eighteen year old.
Fun times! So glad I didn’t chicken out…
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