I went to the BC Senior Games in Nanaimo thinking I’d see a little friendly competition, maybe clap politely, and then head home to reward myself with a Nanaimo bar. What I did not expect was to be body-slammed by inspiration courtesy of two women who could outswim, outsing, and outlive us all.

First, a 101-year-old woman hit the pool. She didn’t tiptoe in like the rest of us who scream when the water is “too cold.” She dove, she swam, she conquered. She broke records. At an age when I complain about my knees while carrying groceries, she was carving through the water like a dolphin on espresso.

Then came a 103-year-old with a microphone. She sang O Canada with such power that the crowd went silent, except for me, who kept crying and pretending it was “just chlorine in my eyes.” Her voice soared. My goosebumps had goosebumps. And yes, I was still two beats behind on the lyrics, proving that rhythm is not a gift I inherited.

These women weren’t just competing. They were throwing down a challenge: What’s your excuse? And let’s be honest, none of mine hold water anymore. “Too tired.” Nope. “Too busy.” Not buying it. “Too clumsy.” Well, fine, that one’s true, but apparently it’s survivable.

That is what the 55+ BC Games are all about. From Sept. 9 to 13, 2025, Nanaimo hosted over 23 sports, opening and closing ceremonies, and more camaraderie than a family reunion with fewer awkward uncles. Athletes came from all over British Columbia to prove that fun, fitness, and friendship don’t have a best-before date.

And here’s the kicker. This is not just a Nanaimo thing. The Games are moving to Kamloops in 2026. Which means we all have twelve glorious months to stop making excuses and start training. Or at least to buy stretchy pants and pretend.

Because if a 101-year-old can smash records in the pool, and a 103-year-old can sing the anthem better than most of us in our prime, then maybe I can survive yoga without collapsing onto the stranger beside me. Maybe I can try pickleball without mistaking the paddle for a fan. Maybe I can even enter a race, provided there are snack breaks.

So thank you, BC Senior Games. You have officially shamed me into owning running shoes. And Kamloops 2026? Watch out. I will be there. Possibly competing. Definitely cheering. And absolutely carrying extra snacks.

Amy Tucker is a University Instructor at Thompson Rivers University and proudly calls herself an “accidental athlete.” As a senior swimmer and long-distance open-water enthusiast, she has represented Team Canada on the Age-Group Triathlon Team for the past three years. Amy is passionate about encouraging others to embrace fitness and wellness at any stage of life, proving it’s never too late to chase new challenges.