by Steven Wright
news@thenewsleaders.com
The Senior Games made its first ever appearance in Sauk Rapids on Saturday, bringing in athletes from throughout the state to compete in track-and-field events at Sauk Rapids Middle School. Participants ages 50 and up showcased their talents in various events, including discus, pole-vaulting, javelin and track races.
The events were part of an entire weekend of competition that took place at various venues throughout the St. Cloud area.
Steve Briggs made the trip from Eagan to compete in several track races, as well as long jump, while keeping his strategy very simple.
“I’m doing dashes, so when that gun goes I’m running as fast as I can,” Briggs said.
In his second year competing, Briggs was introduced to the Senior Games by his friend Jon Lund, who had a very convincing showing on Saturday. At the age of 62, Lund pole-vaulted his way into the Minnesota state record books for his age group, with a jump just shy of 11 feet. Lund is a seasoned veteran of the pole vault and has his sights set on the national competition. The Senior Games will return to Sauk Rapids next year, with a little more on the line for participants because the athletes will be competing to play in the National Senior Games.
Some competitors have a strict regimen and a drive for success, but most will agree the camaraderie and friendships are the most important part of the games. Briggs prepared for the event by doing sprints near his middle school in Eagan and introduced himself to yoga, which he found to be very beneficial.
“It’s really good to prevent injuries,” Briggs said. “Your muscles need to be stretched out and the yoga really helps me.”
He prepared for his events by stretching and conditioning his muscles, even though his diet didn’t have any major overhauls.
“Usually I limit myself to two glasses of wine a night,” Briggs joked. “I’m 60 . . . and in the right environment I’m young and in other environments I’m old, but there are guys out here who are 85.”
The Senior Games have no age limit. They hope to continue to promote fitness, exercise and well-being for anybody over the age of 50.
More information on next year’s Senior Games can be found at mnseniorgames.com.
Doug Roby of Sioux Falls, S.D. twists his body before throwing in the discus event.
Jon Lund of Stillwater made history at the Senior Games, achieving the highest jump in Minnesota state history at the age of 62.
Steve Briggs of Eagan accelerates off the starting blocks during his 200-meter dash at Saturday’s Senior Games.
