News Summary
Morris Denton, a 90-year-old athlete, secured a gold medal at the National Senior Games, showcasing the dedication of over 12,500 competitors aged 50 and older. The event, held in Des Moines, featured 26 sports, celebrating lifelong fitness and sportsmanship. Denton, a former member of the Ole Miss tennis team, exemplifies active aging, proving age is not a barrier to athletic achievement. The games generated significant economic impact for the area and highlighted the inspiring performances of all participants.
Des Moines, Iowa – Morris Denton, a remarkable 90-year-old athlete, proudly clinched a gold medal at the National Senior Games, which concluded on August 4, 2025, after running from July 24 to August 4. The event attracted over 12,500 athletes aged 50 and older from across the United States and 12 other countries, showcasing their dedication to health and sports.
As Denton approaches his 91st birthday this September, his achievement stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to fitness and athletics. Denton has a rich history in tennis, having played during his high school years at the former University High School in Oxford. His journey continued after he graduated in the 1950s when he briefly attended Lipscomb University before transferring to the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss) for his sophomore year.
His athletic career took a brief pause when he served in the U.S. Army for two years. Upon returning to Ole Miss in 1957, he became a valued member of the university’s tennis team for the 1957-58 season. Denton attributes his longevity and fitness to his belief in the importance of consistent movement and playing sports, even when challenged by the difficulties that come with aging.
The National Senior Games featured a total of 26 sporting events spread across various locations in Des Moines and nearby towns. Athletes competed in everything from basketball and track events to swimming, showcasing their skills and dedication. In the swimming meet portion of the games, numerous athletes recorded personal bests and outstanding performances. For instance, swimmer Jennifer Kirby excelled by breaking a National Senior Games record with a 200-yard breaststroke time of 2:50.79, outperforming the previous record by nearly two seconds. Kirby had previously scratched from the 50-yard butterfly event to focus on her breaststroke performance, which ultimately paid off.
Another swimmer, Janell Gerberding, also enjoyed success and brought home gold medals in the women’s 55-59 age group, demonstrating the high caliber of competition present at the games. Kevin Kyle further contributed to this excitement by successfully earning both silver and bronze medals in his various events. The swimming competitions took place at the Prairie Meadows Pool at the Wellmark YMCA in Des Moines, with participants showcasing remarkable talent.
Sue Hlavacek, President and CEO of the National Senior Games Association, emphasized the positive impact of the games and the enriching experiences they provided for athletes in Iowa. Furthermore, a report by Alex Wilson from Catch Des Moines highlighted the substantial economic implications of the National Senior Games, estimating that the event would generate over $32 million for the Des Moines area. This influx of visitors contributed to excitement and community involvement, as the games offered free admission for all spectators, allowing for a vibrant atmosphere filled with support and camaraderie.
As an Olympic-style multi-sport event, the National Senior Games have successfully created a platform for participants aged 50 and older to compete at a high level, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to pursuing athletic endeavors. The enthusiasm and skill exhibited by competitors like Morris Denton serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the value of staying active and engaged in sports throughout life.
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Additional Resources
- WHO 13 News
- Pigeon605
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- Wikipedia: National Senior Games
- Google Search: National Senior Games
- Google Scholar: National Senior Games
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Senior Games
- Google News: National Senior Games
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