It's All About Attitude

At 70. George Freeman is more active than most 25-year-olds. Actually, he's more active than most kids. "He does just about every sport," says his wife Kathy. The all-around athlete has participated in every National Senior Olympics since 1987.

A retired guidance counselor and cross-country coach, Freeman trains year-round, varying his activities with the season, In winter, he snowshoes and cross-country skis around his 200-acre farm in Cobleskill, N.Y. In warmer weather, he runs a favorite 4.5 mile loop. But that's when he's not swimming, biking, or canoeing. "Too many people are old in their heads and hearts," says Freeman. "I tell folks to find activities and interests so they can look ahead. You can't change yesterday, but you can change today and tomorrow. It's all about attitude."

Competition at the Senior Olympics (for athletes 50 and over) is stiff. Participants must win a medal in their home state to qualify for the national meet. Freeman has won plenty of medals, and every year the local elementary school invites him to talk to the children about his experience. "I pass the medals around to the kids. They love holding them," says Freeman. "We talk about the medals and the competition, but mostly about the importance of being active."