89-Year-Old Table Tennis Player Aims for Gold at National Senior Games
Rachel Williams is an 89-year-old woman who is living proof that age is just a number. She started playing table tennis two years ago as a way to stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic. She quickly fell in love with the sport and began practicing every day.
Williams’s hard work paid off. She won the silver medal in her first competition and then went on to take home the gold medal at the state level. Now, she is set to compete in the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh.
Williams is no stranger to trying new things. More than a decade ago, she picked up tap dancing. She even learned how to juggle. But table tennis is her latest adventure, and she says she loves the camaraderie of the sport.
“When we got a great shot, I mean, that was thrilling,” Williams said.
Williams does have a competitive streak, and she is hoping to bring home the gold medal from the National Senior Games. But she is also realistic about her chances.
“Just have fun,” Williams said. “And if I come home with gold, that’ll be nice too.”
Williams leaves for Pittsburgh on Saturday. She is excited to compete against the best table tennis players in the country. But she is also excited to meet new people and make new friends.
“I just want to have a good time,” Williams said. “And if I can bring home a medal, that would be icing on the cake.”
Williams’s story is an inspiration to people of all ages. It shows that it is never too late to try something new. And it shows that age is just a number. If you have a dream, go for it. You never know what you might achieve.
Advice for Fellow Octogenarians
Williams also has some advice for her fellow octogenarians.
“Just try it,” Williams said. “We have nothing to lose.”
She also added in her own spin on a Teddy Roosevelt quote: “But if she fails, she fails daring greatly.”
Williams’s advice is simple but powerful. It is a reminder that we should never be afraid to try new things. And even if we fail, we should still be proud of ourselves for daring greatly.
Rachel Williams is an inspiration to us all. She is proof that age is just a number and that we should never give up on our dreams. If she can do it, so can we.
