Golden agers are winning gold medals in track & field. Most importantly, they are enjoying the weeks and months of healthy, practice preparation and the joy of competing against people their age.

     Larry Mills and Phil and Kathy Campbell of Brookhaven brought home an armful of gold medals from the Mississippi Senior Olympic Games. Mills was a rookie this year, receiving plenty of encouragement from the Campbells.

     Mills joined the ranks as a 50-year-old and sprinted to victory in the 100-meter dash. By comparison, the Campbells are Olympic veterans, actually competing in the National Senior Olympics.

     “This was our first time in the Mississippi Games,” said Kathy Campbell. “We really enjoyed it. We have been involved in the Tennessee Senior Games for several years.”

     The Campbells moved to Brookhaven from Nashville, Tenn. Phil is the new chief of operations at the soon-to-be-completed KDMC Athletic Performance Center. He will certify instructors who will assist athletes in all sports.

     Mills, along with the Campbells, have qualified for the National Senior Olympics, which will be held in early August of 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio.

     Mississippi College in Clinton was the location of this year’s Senior Olympics. Kathy, 55, competed in the field events: throwing the discus, shot put, javelin and hammer. She also ran the 50, 100 and 200 meter dashes, bringing home four gold medals in the field events.

     “I told our kids I wanted a hammer for Christmas,” laughed Kathy. “They think we are weird.”

     Entrants must be a minimum of 50 years old to qualify for the Senior Olympics.

     Phil, a former standout running back at Middle Tennessee State, was forced to hang it up when he suffered a severe back injury. However, he stayed in top physical shape by running. His book, “Ready, Set, Go!” teaches synergy fitness for time-crunched athletes.

     This year, there are district games.  The top four finishers qualify for nationals in Ohio next August.

     “It puts a little more pressure for us to be at our peak,” said Phil.

     Phil is a newcomer to the 60-age group. He appears to be in peak physical condition. He’s been competing in the Senior Olympics for 10 years. He also competes in the Masters Track & Field, featuring ex pro football players and former Olympic athletes who compete at a higher level of competition..

     Phil won a national medal in the javelin. He also competes in the 50, 100 and 200-meter dashes.

     Only six states offer javelin competition on the high school level. Phil said it is an art form, dating back to the ancient Greek culture

     “Javelin is actually the most technical of all throws,” said Phil. “I’ve only had perfect technique twice in all my years of throwing it.”

     He placed third in a national competition held at Eugene, Ore., a few years ago.

     Kathy was ranked nationally two years ago. She received ribbons in three throwing events: the shot put, javelin and discus in the national competition held at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.

     “There are not a lot of women our age who still participate,” said Kathy. “It is very exciting. We would like to see more people in Mississippi participating.

     Kathy played softball and basketball in high school. Her husband got her started in track and field. She has made a major recovery from an auto accident that smashed both of her knees. She was in a wheelchair for six months.

     They are the parents of three children. Phil began training her for the Olympics. Kathy smiled and recalled an episode.

     “I thought I could run pretty fast so I challenged my husband to a race one day. I never saw a big man run so fast.”

     As husband and wife, they enjoy the competition. Phil shared his personal perspective.

     “Winning is a wonderful thing, but the best part about competition is the motivation it gives you to train throughout the year. It’s so important to have goals. When I make that commitment to healthy competition, I train twice as much as I normally would.”

     Mills, 50, works as Clinic Systems Director at KDMC. He and his wife have four children.

     “I’ve always run four or five miles every day but sprinting is where it’s at,” said Mills. “I thought I would try sprints and I really liked it.”

     Mills grew up in Pflugerville, Texas, north of Austin. He ran the 400-meters in high school.

     He said the Mississippi Senior Olympics gave him a new approach to conditioning. “The competition really gives me a push.”

     The Campbells noted the wholehearted support and encouragement from other competitors. “We cheer for each other.”

     The Mississippi Olympics provide many sporting events besides track & field: from swimming to basketball, to bowling, shuffleboard, and table tennis, plus basketball and tennis.

     Most importantly, competitors are placed in similar age groups. For more details Email msseniorolym.org