Sports
WA Athlete, 88, Medals In Racquetball At National Senior Games
The Port Angeles resident is honored as a Humana Game Changer for inspiring others with his 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 Gerald Rettela, 88, from Port Angeles, Washington who won silver and bronze medals in racquetball at the National Senior Games. Not only does he love competing in racquetball, but he is also passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be active no matter their age.
Below, Gerald 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 began playing tennis and paddle tennis in high school and established a love for racket sports, as well as handball. In 1973, when I could no longer play handball due to my hands being consistently injured, I picked up racquetball and have been playing ever since.
Can you describe any challenges, health or otherwise, that you had to overcome in order to compete in the National Senior Games?
I suffer from spinal stenosis and needed to have both of my hips and knees replaced. Of late, I have been dealing with back pain, which has limited my ability to move as quickly as I would like. But, despite these setbacks, I’ve remained committed to staying moving because I love racquetball and knew that being active would help my health and recovery.
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 realize that there are more qualified and decorated players in my age group, so I am greatly honored to be chosen as a Humana Game Changer as an inspiration to other seniors to be active. I love the sport of racquetball and hope to continue to play for as long as possible.
Why is living a healthy, active lifestyle important to you?
Being active supports my emotional well-being and increases my overall quality of life. It’s definitely helped me overcome my physical challenges, and I like to advocate for others my age to keep moving. I’ve seen too many people face setbacks and give in to a sedentary lifestyle, and I think it’s so important to remain active because it provides so many physical and mental health benefits.
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more active who feel like they don’t know where to start?
Find an activity you enjoy – whether it’s a sport you played when you were younger or something that sounds appealing to you. Doing something you find joy in will make you more likely to continue it. Just make sure to check with your doctor before starting a new or strenuous activity.
Please tell us about your experience competing in the 2023 National Senior Games. What was the best part?”
My experience was outstanding. I enjoyed getting to know new people, who were all so gracious and respectful. I also enjoyed facing competitors with different playing styles and challenging myself to improve.
The best part of the Games was when I was approached by another singles competitor from Ohio who told me that the doubles tournament needed more competitors. I wasn’t planning on playing in any doubles competitions, but we sat down, put our heads together, and gave it our all. We ended up earning a silver medal! After the match, my new doubles partner asked if I would like to play in the doubles tournament with him at the 2025 National Senior Games in Iowa! I agreed, provided my health and finances allow it.
Congratulations, Gerald, 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.