Are you still going through Olympics withdrawal? You’re not alone. I watched every chance I got and was continually amazed regardless of the sport. The athletes couldn’t hear through the TV but that didn’t mean we weren’t cheering them on loudly.
It was great seeing the women getting as much attention as the men. And those of us past the age of 50 rolled our eyes when the commentators talked about athletes past the age of 30 being “older” than most members on the team.
You can bet someone who scoffed the most was Wichitan Karlene Ivy, 67, who can cover her dining room table and then some with medals she has won in more than 100 races. Yes, she is 67.
The 5-feet 1-inch, 110 pounder has traveled the globe to compete including the World Ironman in Kona, Hawaii, where she placed 8th. Now she is training with her coach and trainer, Sharyn Carder, for a run up Pikes Peak in October and a half Ironman in New Zealand in December.
Some people at age 50 are shopping for a recliner to sit and watch athletes on TV, but Karlene started competing at age 50. And let me tell you, she displays more energy just talking about races than most would exert in a 50-yard dash.