An Exciting Time Competing in the San Diego Senior Games

 

Gary Nishikida, Stephenie Lawton, Faye Gilbert and Arun Kumar 

Mixed Doubles Gold Medalists 

The San Diego Senior Games, 2025.

Last Sunday I drove one hundred and forty miles from Wrightwood, California to the Balboa Park Activities Center in San Diego.  I got up at 4:00 a.m., and made coffee and breakfast.  I packed a light lunch of fresh peaches, raw cashews, and bagged up  a couple of homemade scones.  

It was still dark outside when I warmed up the car at 5:30 a.m.  Wearing my table tennis dress and a shawl I had once knit for my mother, I headed down I-15,  my hand written directions laying on the seat next to me.  It was a straight shot to San Diego with very little traffic, which is highly unusual for this commute.  My friend Anita, who is a local,  gave me perfect directions.

I was of the first players to arrive.  There was plenty of parking, right near the building.  I found shelter from the sprinkling rain and I started my Russian conditioning warm up just outside of the building.  People began drifting into line to register.  I was asked to compete in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, due to low enrollment.  I agreed.  

It was an exciting and challenging day.  I am not used to playing so many matches in a row.  It was exhausting, and I felt my blood sugar drop around noon.  I was very glad I had packed some healthy snacks and brought water.  The levels were varied.  I played people who are new to the sport and was also paired with the top male player in the club.   That was very exciting!   Our opponent is  one of the best in the world!  I focused on staying calm, watching the ball, and thinking of it all as choreography.    Practicing at our local community centers, senior center, and training with the pros at Allen and Sons helped me greatly.  Anastasia, Fovad, Bella, Rudy and Zichery prepared me for the tournament.  

To my surprise and delight, I was awarded Gold in Women’s Singles, 60-65, Gold in Mixed Doubles, 60-65, and Silver in Women’s Doubles.  Phew!  It was definitely worth all of the private lessons, group classes, and hours of practice and off the court training.  It is four days later, and I am still recovering.  

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