Senior athletes everywhere have great attitudes

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Added: Mon Nov 10th 1:36pm
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One of the greatest personality traits of the senior athlete is the "Don't give up," attitude.  To most, it doesn't matter who finishes ahead or behind them.

 

At the Games, you will find a lot of the loudest cheers are for those who may be the last to finish.  But they are finishing and that's what matters most.

 

I received the following Orange County Register article from my sister in the "Surfing Capital of the U.S.," Huntington Beach, California.  It's got to be one of the few places in the country where there's a Senior Surfing competition.

 

It seems the "Don't give up attitude," of senior athletes carries over onto the board.  Read on.

 

 

Senior surfer rescued from water during contest

The man suffered no injuries, and said he will train for next year's event

 

Bob Spellmire, at 82, was determined to catch some waves during Saturday's Senior Surfing Olympics in Huntington Beach, California.

 

The attempt looked hopeful as he rode the whitewash for a few seconds to shore. But when wave after wave engulfed him and took him under as he lay on his back and tried to hang onto the board, surfer Mike Downey jumped in to help pull him to safety on the sand.

 

Lifeguards rushed over to help, and fortunately Spellmire wasn't injured - just a little beat up from the strong waves.

 

The crowd on the sand applauded his effort as he was brought back to the sand.

Spellmire wasn't discouraged.

 

"I'm OK, I'm just pooped," he said. "At least I got on the board!"

 

Marine Safety Officer Todd Bartlett patted him on the back. "You're an inspiration to me, man," he said.

 

More than 40 surfers from around the county turned out at Huntington Beach for the contest to show they've still got what it takes to compete. The day produced challenging conditions, with 4- to 6-foot waves, and a strong current because of the high tide.

 

Many of the surfers started the sport decades ago, when surfing hit a popularity boom in the '60s. Some, such as Henry Palan, hadn't entered contests since the 70s.

 

Palan surprised his family – and himself – by catching a wave and shooting it through the pier. It was the first time he'd ever done that in his 42 years of surfing.

 

Two things entered his mind: "I better get through (the pilings), and 'What am I doing?' " he said with a chuckle.

 

Contest organizer Chris Cole said the event was so popular, organizers had to turn away people who were trying to enter after the registration deadline had passed. The first Senior Surfing Olympics held last year had only 15 participants, and organizers expect the event to grow in future years.

 

Spellmire wanted to join the contest in order to become more active and to get back into the water. Once an avid bodysurfer, he stopped going in the water about 10 years ago after a head injury from while taking off late on a wave, an accident that landed him in the hospital.

 

Even after Saturday's beating, he said he won't quit.  "Next year, I'll be in better shape," he said.  "I'm coming back."

 

 

I'm asking all of my senior athlete friends.  Has there ever been a moment during competition where you wanted to give it up?  Or did you do like Mr. Spellmire and vow to come back in better shape?

 

I hear stories all the time about senior athletes who have overcome adversity to be successful.  Tell me some I don't already know.  I'd love to hear them.