Senior Athletes Showcase Ageless Competition At Pasadena Games Track Events

The Pasadena Senior Games Track & Field competition is scheduled for Saturday at Occidental College in Eagle Rock, featuring 196 competitors across hundreds of competitive events in an annual celebration that proves athleticism knows no age limit. The Olympic-style competition, running from May 17 to June 29, showcases the strength, agility, and sheer determination of older athletes who redefine what it means to stay active.

“The spirit of competition here is unbeatable,” said Akila Gibbs, Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center. “These athletes redefine what it means to stay active, proving that age is no barrier to speed, strength, and skill.”

Saturday’s events at the Eagle Rock campus feature competitions including sprints, mid-distance events, and field events such as pole vault, long jump, shot put, and throwing events. The day’s highlight includes the 400-meter run featuring 97-year-old Gunnar Linde, the competition’s oldest participant.

The international scope of the games draws athletes from as far away as Japan, with participants ranging in age from 50 to 97 years old. The 50-meter dash emerged as the most popular event, attracting 47 men and 21 women competitors. Eight athletes registered for pole vault, ranging from 57-year-old Lynn Larsen to 75-year-old Thierry Boucquey, the oldest competitor in that event.

Notable competitors include 93-year-old Don Leis, who will compete in sprints, long jump, and throwing events, alongside 50-year-olds Bryan Mu and Elly Mann in sprint and mid-distance events. Kathy Bergen, 86, brings her reputation for dominance at National competitions to multiple sprint and field events, while 81-year-old Sarah Sneider competes in track sprints and shot put while also hosting the Powerlifting competition.

“I’d say it’s never too late to be a champion,” said Sneider. “You can make the rest of your life the best of your life.”

The games, founded by Cynthia Rosedale in 1993, award gold, silver, and bronze medals in five-year age categories for each event. Last year’s competition attracted 1,100 participants across a 50-year age span, demonstrating the growing appeal of senior athletics.

“Every year the Pasadena Senior Games promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults through education, fitness and the spirited competition of sports,” Gibbs noted. “These remarkable athletes are shining examples of the benefits of an active lifestyle that embraces health and vitality.”

The competition takes place at Occidental College, located at 1600 Campus Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, in the Eagle Rock community, as part of the broader Pasadena Senior Games taking place across various Pasadena area venues through June 29.