July 17, 2023 at the National Senior Games
In our latest wrap up from the National Senior Games, Pittsburgh natives are showing us what it means to keep Growing Bolder.
National Senior Games Association
Growing Bolder and the National Senior Games Association are shining the spotlight on the rapidly growing world of Masters sports
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Growing Bolder takes you inside the 2023 National Senior Games with the most inspirational, motivational and aspirational stories of masters athletes!
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July 16, 2023 at The National Senior Games
The National Senior Games continue to roll on in Pittsburgh! Today we managed to take in swimming, volleyball, bowling, pickleball and table tennis.
July 15, 2023 at the National Senior Games
Today at the National Senior Games, we caught up with Kay Glynn who picked up pole vaulting in her 50s. Now in her 70s, she’s continues to win medals and set records.
July 14, 2023 at the National Senior Games: Joy Upshaw and Damien Leake
Team GB arrived in Pittsburgh for the 2023 National Senior Games and headed straight for the track.
The National Senior Games: A Life-Affirming Statement About What’s Possible
Why did Team GB show up to cover our third National Senior Games? It’s not for the stats or results. We do it to share the stories of Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives.
95-Year-Old Jack Eckenrode Breaks Record For Oldest Cyclist to Complete 20K at 2023 The National Senior Games
What do you hope to be doing at 95 years old? How about being the oldest person ever to cycle a 20K race at the National Senior Games?
Astronaut-Athlete Shares Life Experience That’s Out of This World
Larry DeLucas is the only man who can say he’s dunked a basketball in outer space. He was a NASA special astronaut who flew to outer space for scientific research in 1992, and now in his 70’s, competes in bowling and cornhole at the National Senior Games.
Charting The Course for Masters Athletes | 1-on-1 with Sue Hlavacek
Meet Sue Hlavacek, the first woman to be named President & CEO of the NSGA. Growing Bolder’s Marc Middleton goes 1-on-1 with Hlavacek to explore her vision for the future of the games and what to expect in 2025 in Iowa.
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Watch Our TV Special: “Growing Bolder at the 2022 National Senior Games”
Watch Growing Bolder’s 60 minute National Senior Games special.
A Reunion for the Ages | 1980 State Finalists Compete Again 40 Years Later
42 years after an inspirational run to the high school state finals in girls basketball, the challengers reunited at the 2022 National Senior Games to compete together again.
Willie Spruill Finds Sanctuary on the Track
For as long as he can remember, Willie Spruill loved being active. When a cracked spine and chronic pain sent him into despair, it was a flyer for the North Carolina Senior Games that set him back on a path towards hope and health.
105-Year-Old Julia Hawkins Sets World Record as Oldest Track & Field Competitor
Recently, 105-year-old Julia Hawkins became the oldest female in history to compete in a track and field event. Growing Bolder’s video of her historic run has been viewed millions of times. You’ve seen Julia run now see what makes her run as Marc Middleton shares the rest of the story.
Pickleball : The Fastest Growing Sport in America
Rock Stars of Aging at the National Senior Games
There is a common ageist belief that rapid physical decline is a normal part of aging and we’re all destined to become weak and frail in old age. This is a damaging myth that athletes in The National Senior Games are rapidly disproving.
DeEtte Sauer, 82-Year-Old Swimmer Who Lost 100 Pounds, Inspiring the Next Generation
DeEtte Sauer didn’t start swimming until she was in her 50’s. Since then, she’s lost more than 100 pounds and set multiple world records.
More Than Medals
So many of the triumphs we see at the National Senior Games don’t happen on the score sheet. They happen in the heart. Bill Shafer shares stories that prove it’s more than just medals and records that matter to these masters athletes.
Blind Swimmer Tells The World “I Can Do Anything”
Vivian Stancil is blind, overweight, and scared of the water, yet she continues to show the world that we can all do anything we set our heart to doing.
Watch the Newest Sport at the National Senior Games: Beach Volleyball
Watch the action from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as masters athletes over the age of 50 compete in Beach Volleyball for the first time.
Surviving & Thriving at the National Senior Games
Meet the inspirational athletes who have overcome disease, surgery, joint replacements, personal tragedy and obstacles of all kind to compete at the 2022 National Senior Games.
Athletes From The Villages Bring Home 154 Medals at the 2022 National Senior Games
Athletes from The Villages, Fl won 154 medals at the 2022 National Senior Games. Learn the secret to their success in masters athletics.
57 Years After Historic Marathon, Women’s Sports Pioneer Kathrine Switzer Continues Her Legacy
Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon, continues to add to her legacy and compete today.
Athletes From The Villages Bring Home 154 Medals at the 2022 National Senior Games
Athletes from The Villages, Fl won 154 medals at the 2022 National Senior Games. Learn the secret to their success in masters athletics.
“This Cannot Be The End” | 61-Year-Old Athlete Escapes Death Twice To Win At Life And On The Court
From growing up in a refugee camp to battling a double-bypass surgery, Tien Nguyen overcame countless obstacles to win Gold at the National Senior Games.
A Tradition That Hits The Target
For the Walkers, archery is more than just a sport. It’s a tradition spanning several generations, creating a legacy of success and priceless family memories learning to shoot together.
“They can be life-changing.” | 56-Year-Old Gold Medalist Thanks Triathlons for Lifetime of Career Changes and Self Reflection
Bob Hobbs, the 56-year-old National Senior Games gold medalist, explains how triathlons helped him set life goals and change careers to find his own “what’s next.”
Seeing is Believing: David Burnett’s Photographic Art of Inspiration
Acclaimed photojournalist David Burnett was drawn to the National Senior Games in Ft. Lauderdale for the same reason Growing Bolder was — to record and share the inspiring stories and images of athletes from age 50 to 103 who are defying the stereotypes of age.
After 50 Years of Coaching, Midge Ferraro Is Still One Tough Mother of Softball
Midge Ferraro has made her mark on The Villages, Florida, by starting a softball program that is setting an example for how to live a healthy and engaged life at any age.
Fountain of Youth Podcast
live from the 2022 national senior games in ft. lauderdale
May 12, 2022: Live at the National Senior Games
Catch the latest action from the 2022 National Senior Games! Marc and Bill share stories from runners, volleyball players and spectators.
May 13, 2022: Live from the National Senior Games
Today we’ve got inspirational stories from Track & Field, runners at the 5K, and a basketball team that reunited after winning their state championship right here in Broward County over 40 years ago!
May 14, 2022: Live from the National Senior Games
We’re LIVE in Fort Lauderdale for a record-setting day at the 2022 National Senior Games! Tune in to watch a new record that Marc Middleton set today at the pool, plus hear the inspirational story of swimmer DeEtte Sauer! We’ll also bring you the latest from Track & Field, Bowling, and a family of competitors who hit the mark on World Archery Day!
May 15, 2022: Live from the National Senior Games
We’re LIVE in Fort Lauderdale with a recap of another exciting day at the 2022 National Senior Games! Be inspired by the only 2 athletes who have competed in EVERY National Senior Games to date. We’ll share the life lessons that some special triathletes have learned from years of training, visit the track to hear the story of Madelaine “Tiny” Cazel, and watch another swimming record broken today by our very own Marc Middleton!
May 16, 2022: Live from the National Senior Games
We’re LIVE in Fort Lauderdale for the Celebration of Athletes Ceremony at the National Senior Games! Watch as these inspirational athletes are honored at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade and march in together, state-by-state. We’ll also show you the latest action from the newest sport at the games: beach volleyball! Plus we’ll head to the tennis courts and check back in at the pool to hear the wise words of Vivian Stancil.
May 17, 2022: Live at the National Senior Games
Watch the golf swing of 103 year old Lindsay Tise, the oldest competitor across all sports! Plus, we check in with Women’s Softball and get the latest from Beach Volleyball!
More Stories
Kay Glynn | Fountain of Youth® Podcast
Kay Glynn is one of the most unusual grandmothers on planet. She is a 58-year-old grandmother of four and just may be the greatest all-around masters track and field star competing today.
Jumpin’ Joe Johnston’s Fountain of Youth®
Joe Johnston has the Growing Bolder attitude. He’s had it for years. He just needed someone to preach it.
Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins’ Record-Setting Run | Fountain of Youth®
In 2019, Julia Hawkins made history as the oldest woman to ever compete at a sanctioned track and field event — and Growing Bolder was there to capture not just the 50-yard dash itself, but Julia’s reaction to her record-setting run.
The Villages At The National Senior Games
So many athletes from The Villages showed up at the National Senior Games to represent their community and show that if you have an amazing support system, lead an active lifestyle, and have the right mindset, anything is achievable.