The National Senior Games—the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes aged 50 and older—wrapped up in Pittsburgh last week. The biannual event was established in 1987 to promote healthy lifestyles for adults through education, fitness and sport—a goal that aligns with our own values. This year more than 11,500 athletes competed in 20 sports, such as cycling, golf, basketball, track and field, swimming, tennis, pickleball and more.
Humana became the presenting sponsor of the Games in 2007 and continues to sponsor each national event. The Senior Games provide us an opportunity to champion seniors and to bring human care to life for all athletes participating in the Games.
The 2023 National Senior Games marks the 10th anniversary of the Humana Game Changer program, a way for us to spotlight National Senior Games athletes who break senior stereotypes and who exemplify healthy aging and provide encouragement, motivation and inspiration for all to live a healthy lifestyle.
The National Senior Games and our Humana Game Changers allow us to celebrate what our members can accomplish. Each story inspires, as these athletes change the ideals of what it means to live an active, aging senior life. Here are some highlights from the Games:
Roy Englert (100), an inspiring athlete from Virginia and one of three Centenarians competing this year, won gold in the men’s 400-meter track event. He and his colleague George Freeman (91) are two Humana Game Changers who have competed in every National Senior Games since its inception in 1987.
Judy Young (97), swimmer from Jamestown, N.Y., won five gold medals at the Games while breaking five national records in each of her events, which included the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 50-yard backstroke and 100-yard backstroke.
Dwight Smith (94) and his basketball team placed 4th, while his son Terry Smith (74) and granddaughter Christi Smith Daigle (51) won the unofficial award of “having the most fun” playing mixed doubles pickleball. The Smith family’s commitment to an active lifestyle has made sports a family affair.
Bob Arledge (90), Humana Game Changer and retired Air Force colonel, competed in both the 100-yard backstroke and pole vault, winning gold and silver medals. Wes Boyea (74) from Clifton Park, N.Y., won silver in men’s shot put while also competing in discus and javelin.
DeEtte Sauer (82), a swimmer ranked No. 1 in the 200-yard butterfly for her age group, won six gold medals in women’s freestyle and butterfly events this year and two silver medals in the mixed freestyle and mixed medley relay events. DeEtte was one of the original Humana Game Changers named in 2013 and brought home eight gold medals in 2022.
Paula Franetti (67) served as a torch runner to open the 2023 Games in her hometown Pittsburgh. After recovering from a near-fatal car accident, Paula says, "I’m so passionate about helping people realize the power they have within them to get well." Both Paula’s basketball team and that of Jeweline Segroves (72) won gold medals in women’s basketball. Competing with his basketball team J-town, James Lewis (67), Humana Game Changer from Harvey, Ill., took home a silver medal.
Willie Spruill (64), a 20-year Army veteran who says that “running saved my life,” won a silver medal in the men’s track relay event and placed 4th and 5th in the men’s 50M, 100M and 400M sprint races. Running helps Willie to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Loretta Turner (68), an Air Force veteran from Atlanta, set two personal records while winning gold medals in the women’s 50-meter and 100-meter dashes at the Games. Loretta encourages others: “There are going to be days that you’re not going to want to do it, but you gotta keep looking forward to what goals you’ve set for yourself, that’ll push you to get up, get out and do what you need to do.”
Allwyn Chao (79), a native of China, won gold and silver medals in the men’s tennis doubles and singles tournaments. Gerald Retella (88) won silver and bronze medals in men’s racquetball doubles and singles. Nancy Fish (72) won silver and bronze medals in women’s racquetball doubles and singles. Bill Hunsberger (88) won gold in mixed doubles pickleball.
Humana is proud to celebrate these athletes and our members who demonstrate why you’re never too old to get active. After she interviewed five of our Humana Game Changers, Katie Couric said, “I love the message of staying vibrant and healthy. Particularly now that I’m 66, so I’m one of the people who is aging and staying very active.”
As we look ahead to the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa, we cannot wait to share more stories like these of members and seniors who are living vibrant, active lives.
Judy Young is a 97-year-old swimmer who won 5 gold medals and broke 5 national records in freestyle and backstroke events at the 2023 National Senior Games.
