Sports
NY Athlete, 97, Wins 6 Swimming Gold Medals At National Senior Games
The Jamestown resident is honored as a Humana Game Changer for inspiring others with her passion for staying active.
The National Senior Games, presented by Humana, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for people aged 50+. Ever since the first Games in 1987 in St. Louis, the National Senior Games has sought to motivate adults to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
The 2023 National Senior Games, held in Pittsburgh, included nearly 12,000 athletes from across the country competing in 21 unique sports.
Since 2013, Humana has recognized outstanding athletes – those who exemplify active aging and provide encouragement, motivation, and inspiration for people of all ages to pursue lifelong health – as Humana Game Changers.
Today, Patch is shining a spotlight on Judy Young, 97, from Jamestown, New York who won six gold medals in women’s swimming and broke records in all her events at the National Senior Games. Not only does she love competing in swimming, but she is also passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be active no matter their age.
Below, Judy talks about competing in the 2023 National Senior Games and shares advice for other seniors looking to stay active.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How long have you been participating in this sport and how did you get started?
I have been swimming all my life. My mother liked the water, so I was swimming in the bay near my house in Queens County by the time I was 3 years old. I never had the opportunity to swim in high school or college, so my competitive swimming did not start until I was 61. That is when I joined the local Jamestown YMCA after retiring and began competing with the Masters Swimming in 1987. Now I am in the pool swimming at least three times a week.
Can you describe any challenges, health or otherwise, that you had to overcome in order to compete in the National Senior Games?
In the summer of 2022, I underwent two separate surgeries. This kept me out of the water for quite a few months and made it harder for me to get my full strength back, but looking back, I think that getting back in the water and swimming helped me to fully recover for the National Senior Games this year.
You were one of 28 athletes selected from the thousands competing at the 2023 National Senior Games for the national honor of being named a Humana Game Changer. Can you tell us more about this honor and what it means to you?
I was overcome when I learned that I was selected to be a Humana Game Changer and I still am, especially as I learn more about the wonderful athletes that were selected. I hardly feel worthy and am flattered that I was even considered. I am honored to be a recipient.
Why is living a healthy, active lifestyle important to you?
As long as I am alive, I want to enjoy my life, and to enjoy it, I have to remain active. Staying active and keeping healthy is the key. I try to make lifestyle and diet choices that will help me remain healthy while enjoying my life.
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more active who feel like they don’t know where to start?
My advice for other seniors is to start slowly and find something that you enjoy doing. Even if you are just walking for five minutes or doing something outside so that you can take in the scenery and meditate. Many exercises can be done at home too, such as holding onto the back of a chair and going up and down on your toes. I love swimming and think it’s the most well-rounded exercise, so if you have a pool nearby, try it out!
Please tell us about your experience competing in the 2023 National Senior Games. What was the best part?
I was grateful just to be at the National Senior Games this year. I was astounded by the enthusiasm of the other swimmers as I made my races and went on to set National Senior Games records in the six races that I competed in. Everyone was so encouraging and made my experience at the Games wonderful.
Congratulations, Judy, on your athletic achievements and helping motivate other seniors to lead healthy active lifestyles!
More about Humana: Since 2007, Humana has sponsored the National Senior Games and celebrated senior athletes with the NSGA. Specifically, Humana supports the National Senior Games’ mission to keep active adults healthy through education, fitness, and sport.
