At age 65, 3 weeks before the competition, Valerie Brooks decided to compete In the Oklahoma Senior Games as a sprinter. Did she run track in High School or College? No. Had she ever run a 50, 100, or 200m sprint? No. Had she ever even set foot on a track before? Once again, No!

Valerie has always been active and fit, but never competed in sports. She says, “My husband Mark, is a long-time marathon runner with over 30 under his belt.” I always used to joke and say to him that someday I might take up running.” They lived in a pretty area in South Carolina with a lot of walking trails and she would walk several times per week. Valerie recalls, “For some reason, I started sprinting occasionally.” Valerie knew that short bursts of speed were good for her metabolism.

In 2021, they moved to Oklahoma. “I continued to walk and sprint occasionally. In 2022, my sister saw an article about OSG and suggested I enter. The games were only 3 weeks away! On a crazy whim I decided to compete as a sprinter!” Valerie has always liked doing hard things but knew this was going to be really tough.

At first she thought, “What have I done? How am I going to prepare?” Like most of us for many things, Valerie turned to the internet. Youtube became her trainer. Mark helped with some basics. He was thrilled his wife had decided to enter the games. After it was over though, Valerie said she had fun and enjoyed the experience, but wasn’t sure about competing in the future.

Valerie convinced herself to try again, and entered the Arkansas Games. She was so happy she did. Valerie medalled and qualified for Nationals in Pittsburg. “My goal was to continue training and improve my times.” She also entered the games in Kansas and Missouri. Valorie was hooked. “Mark helps me by recording my times on the web and finding other meets where I can compete.”

Valerie went on to say, “I think the older you get, your first-time novel experiences are few and far between. To me, it’s so delightful to find something you’ve never done before!” Sprinting has made her feel so much stronger.” In addition to joining a gym again after many years, Valerie uses a sled to build strength. She can either push or pull it. “I can adjust the weight by adding 25 pound plates. It has a belt that goes around my hips.” She’s able to train using the sled when unable to get on a track.

“I work out doing something nearly every day. I believe training has improved my circulation. I don’t get as cold anymore. I know a lot of older people have to deal with that.” Valerie plans to enter as many State and National Games as possible.

Many people think they can’t do something because of a bad knee, back, or shoulder. Valerie says. “Show me someone who doesn’t have issues like that. I say go ahead and be active! You should be smart about it though and not push too hard. As we get older we all have the choice of staying active. It’s important to move and build muscle. Always remember, muscle is the organ of longevity.”

When Jim Short was 10 years old, he checked out a Boys Club in his neighborhood. That’s where he discovered Table Tennis. “I really enjoyed playing the game.” He
remembers eventually turning to the Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club for coaching. He’s been playing ever since.

Jim points out, “Table Tennis is a sport for all age and ability ranges. I’ve seen very young children sit on a table and hit the ball back to their parents. It really doesn’t
matter how old or fit you are or aren’t. I’ve seen a 104 year old man play the game, and I know a person with Parkinson’s who plays Table Tennis. Being affected by something doesn’t mean you can’t be effective at something.”

He should know. Jim has severe Arthritis and a bad knee. “I’m not a natural athlete, but I use my brain to help me win. I used to stand back 8-10 feet from the table and spin the heck out of the ball. I have to stand up close now because of my knee problems.” He went on to say “I’ve been playing long enough now that I can anticipate what my opponent is going to do, which helps since I play up close now. I’m also known as a deceptive player. People will think I’m going to hit the ball one way, and at the last minute I’ll hit in a different direction.” Jim says his serves are super “spinny”, and players have trouble returning them.”

As a 64 year old retired Computer Technician, Jim plays Table Tennis 2 – 3 days per week. He’s also a coach. “I enjoy coaching anyone who wants to be coached. I’ve
even worked with people in wheel chairs.” He also reports on the game. Jim went to Pittsburg for the National Senior Games not as a player, but as a reporter for the USA Table Tennis Association.

Jim says there are a lot of high-priced paddles on the market and many players believe they need to spend a bunch of money to play well. He says that is just not true.
Scoring for the game is probably also different than what most people might think. He says it used to be you played to 21, and served 5 times in a row. “10 Years ago it was changed because the game was not drawing enough spectators. You now play to 11 and change servers after 2. The ball size was also increased from 38 mm to 40 mm. What many people don’t know according to Jim, is the fact that a traditional 3 out of 5 match played at a high level has the same cardio benefits as a 2 mile run!

Jim Short has won over a dozen Senior Games Medals and will compete again in 2024. He also plays Pickleball. Jim says the current number one in Pickleball, started as a Table Tennis player. Jim enjoys both games, but his game of choice is still Table Tennis.