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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Congratulations on winning silver! You did great to enter without waiting for another year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bless. It was a gift. With all that’s going on in the world, I try not to miss any opportunities.
ReplyDeleteHuge congratulations, Stephenie! That's a great achievement. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules. It was a great way to stay on a challenging fitness regime. Now I need to clean my house!
DeleteSounds like you had great fun.
ReplyDeleteWe did, Cherie. I met met some very kind, disciplined, and talented people.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun group and lots of good exercise. Congratulations on the silver medal.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anita. They have a Senior Games in San Diego, too. It was a great challenge and we did get lots of exercise.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun thing to do!! You have an amazing body, Stephenie. It's a real testament to your lifestyle, and yoga.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ratnamurti. The yoga really has helped me to stay long and lean. Our generation looks so different than our grandmothers! The older table tennis players are so quick and agile.
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