Age is no limit for competitor in National Veterans Golden Age Games
U.S. Army Veteran Don Phillips celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary in December 2023. At an age when many of his peers are slowing down, 93-year-old Phillips is strength training in preparation for his third competitive effort at the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
Active at any age
The National Veterans Golden Age Games is an annual event that offers sports and recreational competition designed to improve the quality of life for Veterans ages 55 years and over. The event serves as a showcase for the rehabilitation value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Americans.
Decades ago, Phillips began working out regularly. “I started walking some and then jogging in the 1980s,” said Phillips. “I ran my first mile when I was 57 years old.”
In 2022, Phillips learned about the Golden Age Games when the event came to his home turf of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His daughter, who worked as a nurse at VA Sioux Falls Health Care, told him about the competition and he signed up.
Now, Phillips runs sprints, 50-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter races. In the last two years, he’s expanded his participation in track and field events by competing in shot put, discus, javelin and long jump.
“I didn’t do field events until I was 90,” he said. “I’m a runner. Not very fast, but I’m still doing it.”
Phillips has been making his mark in the running events in his age group, earning nine medals last year—seven gold and two silver.
A theme of fitness
At the Golden Age Games, Veteran athletes compete in 19 categories of sporting events that include badminton, bowling, cornhole, swimming and pickleball. The motto of the Golden Age Games is “Fitness for Life.” Phillips could not agree more.
“I don’t think you can do anything better than exercise,” he said. “There are so many benefits. Fitness will add to your quality of life and longevity. You have to also fuel your body.”
Phillips tries to avoid eating processed foods and sugar, opting for more natural foods and lots of vegetables.
Phillips, who celebrates his 94th birthday in July, expressed gratitude at being recognized as the oldest athlete participating in this year’s event.
“It’s humbling,” he said. “I’m so blessed to be able to do this.”
An eye on the future
Phillips is hoping to compete in the Golden Age Games again next year, as he steps even further into the 90+ age group. He challenges himself and says he likes to see what he can do.
Nearly 1,100 Veteran athletes will converge on Salt Lake City in August for the 38th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games.
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April Love is a writer-editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.