organs, arthritis, failing hearts and minds can develop from losing the battle against gravity, I feel I am winning that battle every time I push myself to run faster, jump higher, throw farther.
I am happy to be a mentor to women athletes who are following in my footsteps and embarking on a career of master competition in track and field events. Track and field is not ice skating. It’s not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges. Forget about looking cool. This is about survival in running, jumping, and throwing.
I love my new sports career. I love competing. I love travelling around the world. I love making new friends. I have no reason to stop. I have no plans to stop! I am enjoying my health and lifestyle, and I thank God that He keeps me healthy and gives me the opportunities to use my talent. It’s kind of nice to win and to be recognized. I believe in an old Chinese saying, “It’s not how old you are; it’s how you get old.” What a great life I have discovered, and I wish the same for you!
You are the champion. Keep everything simple. Just do what you do and trust how you do it. It’s amazing how many elements determine a champion. The weight on your shoulders to carry your country is not a burden. All the caring and support will lift you and not weigh you down.
Go for it champ! You can do it! Trust yourself!
Gravity. We can’t see it or touch it, but it guides our destiny. I want to defy gravity. Sketch by David Kind.
Your homework assignment:
Today, give your complete attention to physical activity. Observe how challenging it is to use your physical body in new and different ways. Persist and persevere when you encounter any difficulties.
Discover the fine balance between effort and exhaustion. Be competitive but don’t gamble with your well-being. Wear good workout shoes that provide comfort and support.
Have the courage to discover what you need to do in order to stay healthy. Exercise is not a luxury; it is the key to healthy aging. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy, and if you need additional information, ask for help. Sports and age have no boundaries.
Get moving. Remember to stretch before working out. Stretching will improve the range of motion in your muscles and joints. If you’re just beginning an exercise program, get a few weeks of strength training under your belt. Your aerobic or cardiovascular workouts will be much more enjoyable.
Don’t set up barriers. Say to yourself: “If Olga can do it, I can do it!” I believe if there is a will, there is a way, and determination and discipline are the two key elements in achieving your goals. And remember, there is a first time for everything.
Our dishwasher has been broken for some time, so my husband, who is waiting for a knee replacement, does the dishes. I came home from work one evening very tired, and as we were cleaning up after dinner, I announced that one of these days I was going to get that dishwasher fixed. Our 7-year-old grandson Chris quick-wittedly piped in, “All it needs, Grandma, is a new knee”.
SIX Why Community Matters
Carrying the torch in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay. Noris Burdeniuk photo.
Lesson: The happiest, healthiest people in the world are the ones who socialize and stay close to the people they love and who feel loved and needed in return. Having friends will boost your well-being and provide you with the support you need during the most dire and difficult situations. Remember: even when things look very dark in your life, you can find the energy and inspiration to hang in there and get your life back together. Being a member of a vibrant community helps build and add to a happy, healthy lifestyle.
“Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them.” - Steve Maraboli
Without a doubt one of the highlights in my life was to be chosen as a torch bearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. It was that
I am happy to be a mentor to women athletes who are following in my footsteps and embarking on a career of master competition in track and field events. Track and field is not ice skating. It’s not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges. Forget about looking cool. This is about survival in running, jumping, and throwing.
I love my new sports career. I love competing. I love travelling around the world. I love making new friends. I have no reason to stop. I have no plans to stop! I am enjoying my health and lifestyle, and I thank God that He keeps me healthy and gives me the opportunities to use my talent. It’s kind of nice to win and to be recognized. I believe in an old Chinese saying, “It’s not how old you are; it’s how you get old.” What a great life I have discovered, and I wish the same for you!
You are the champion. Keep everything simple. Just do what you do and trust how you do it. It’s amazing how many elements determine a champion. The weight on your shoulders to carry your country is not a burden. All the caring and support will lift you and not weigh you down.
Go for it champ! You can do it! Trust yourself!
Gravity. We can’t see it or touch it, but it guides our destiny. I want to defy gravity. Sketch by David Kind.
Your homework assignment:
Today, give your complete attention to physical activity. Observe how challenging it is to use your physical body in new and different ways. Persist and persevere when you encounter any difficulties.
Discover the fine balance between effort and exhaustion. Be competitive but don’t gamble with your well-being. Wear good workout shoes that provide comfort and support.
Have the courage to discover what you need to do in order to stay healthy. Exercise is not a luxury; it is the key to healthy aging. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy, and if you need additional information, ask for help. Sports and age have no boundaries.
Get moving. Remember to stretch before working out. Stretching will improve the range of motion in your muscles and joints. If you’re just beginning an exercise program, get a few weeks of strength training under your belt. Your aerobic or cardiovascular workouts will be much more enjoyable.
Don’t set up barriers. Say to yourself: “If Olga can do it, I can do it!” I believe if there is a will, there is a way, and determination and discipline are the two key elements in achieving your goals. And remember, there is a first time for everything.
Our dishwasher has been broken for some time, so my husband, who is waiting for a knee replacement, does the dishes. I came home from work one evening very tired, and as we were cleaning up after dinner, I announced that one of these days I was going to get that dishwasher fixed. Our 7-year-old grandson Chris quick-wittedly piped in, “All it needs, Grandma, is a new knee”.
SIX Why Community Matters
Carrying the torch in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay. Noris Burdeniuk photo.
Lesson: The happiest, healthiest people in the world are the ones who socialize and stay close to the people they love and who feel loved and needed in return. Having friends will boost your well-being and provide you with the support you need during the most dire and difficult situations. Remember: even when things look very dark in your life, you can find the energy and inspiration to hang in there and get your life back together. Being a member of a vibrant community helps build and add to a happy, healthy lifestyle.
“Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them.” - Steve Maraboli
Without a doubt one of the highlights in my life was to be chosen as a torch bearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. It was that
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