I am 56 years old and I throw things.
As a 55+ B.C. Games track and field competitor, I throw discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throw and weight throw and then after I throw all those things individually over several days, I then throw them all in a row as fast as I can on a Saturday morning during the Throws Pentathlon.
It sounds kinda crazy when you tell non-throwers about it but when you're in it with the rest of the 55 to 92-year-old women - that's not a typo: the oldest competitor was 92 years old - it's the most sane thing you could ever do on the last day of a grueling four-day test of strength and endurance.
It was my second year competing in the games last year, which took place in Kelowna in September.
And if you can believe it, I had more fun this time than last. Yup. It's true. More fun.
In track and field, the competitive categories are split in five-year increments. So you are going up against 55 to 59 year olds, 60 to 64 year olds and 65 to 69 year olds but you're clumped together to compete with those 55 to 69, except in the Throws Pentathlon and then all women compete together.
You'd think the 55 year olds have the advantage of youth. But nope. There are 69 year olds that outthrow the 55 year olds because, yes, ladies, if we're lucky we do get better with age.
I am proud to say that in each event that I competed in I bested my own last year's distances and I am proud of that. What drives me stupid is that in practice I was throwing much farther than I did in competition, when it counted. I have to live with that and that's OK. People kept bashing me over the head with this phrase so I think I might actually have to start to listen to my elders - practice, practice, practice. So that's the goal for the coming season. Practice.
On the bright side, during the Kelowna competition, I medaled in each of the events. But always a bridesmaid never a bride I earned four silvers and two bronze. So proud to say that I placed top three because it means I have automatically qualified to compete at the nationals in Kamloops in August this year.
As more of a recreational competitor, the 55+ B.C. Games for me is mostly about the support, encouragement and camaraderie displayed throughout the entire process.
When I got to the track and field stadium, I saw some familiar faces - see how I didn't say old faces? - and new ones, too. We look at each other like we're friends because we've finally found people who get us. We all throw things and we all love it. It doesn't matter who's better or worse. We're all just in it together. We clap, stomp, cheer, scream, hug, laugh and high-five through the whole thing.
The best personal example I have of how we all look out for each other took place during the weight throw. I call it the bone crusher because it's a 16-pound metal ball on a short couple of metal links attached to a handle. It's all kinds of heavy and only the 55 to 59 year olds chuck that thing. All the other ladies get lighter weights. For this reason only, I can't wait to turn 60!
I can't do the Olympic-style turn to get any kind of momentum so I work with it how I can. One style is to swing it from side to side and then up over your head and fling it over your shoulder.
I know, crazy, right? Yup. So it's a blustery day and I am in the throwing circle flinging this thing from side to side, as I raise it up over my head the wind picks up and my hair stands straight up on end. I hear screaming, and then more screaming and you'd think that would stop me but nope! Then I hear the word 'hair!' and then I throw the weight throw anyway. And then people stopped screaming and as I stepped out of the circle and looked at all the lovely ladies who throw things there's a great sense of relief on most everyone's face. You see, they don't really care how far I threw it, I just wasn't allowed to rip my own hair out while I was doing it! From their angle it looked like my hair got all tangled up in that 16 pounds of metal and they needed to warn me. I got a lot of 'whew, you scared me' comments afterwards. It warmed my heart. There's more to say about how truly wonderful these women are, but that will have to wait for my next column. I can't wait to tell you all about how these women continue to inspire me.
If you're interested in participating in any one of the 28 events held during the 55+ BC Games visit www.55plusbcgames.org
