All eyes are on Rio, but right here in Wisconsin we have our very own Olympics about to take place with athletes like Neal Schuster who is a track star.
“I'm a decathlete but I also do throws,” he said.
So for him, it’s just another day at the park training for the Senior Olympics, the summer games for athletes 50 years or older.
“I had been competing for most of my life and training and exercising most of my life,” Schuster said. “But this was an opportunity to go up against other older people just to evaluate my training and conditioning.”
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The 68-year-old and semi-retired professor has been competing in the Senior Olympics for 16 years.
“My wife and I go to meets sometimes and we do so many different events we hardly even get to talk to each other," Schuster said of his commitment.
He's already qualified for next year's national senior games in the hammer throw, javelin throw and pole vault.
“It's nice to be able to compete and you try and do your best and whenever you have competition,” Schuster said. “Everything gets a little better... as long as you don't take yourself too seriously,” he added with a laugh.
Schuster is one of more than a thousand athletes competing in the growing event.
“You're never too old to get active and stay active,” said Chris Abbott with the Wisconsin Senior Olympics and UnitedHealthcare. “Even if you haven't started yet, you can start now. Or if you've done this your entire life, continue it. Dedicate yourself toward living a healthy life.”
“It's totally anti-aging,” Schuster said. “It works on strength, speed, agility, balance… it makes you appreciate aging because when you go into the next age group then you're the younger, stronger, et cetera.”
It's a challenge that has no age limit and can make you an Olympian, or a track star.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Senior Olympics, head to www.wiseniorolympics.comor email info@wiseniorolympics.com. You can also call: 414-931-1903.
