96-Year-Old Pastor and Retired Chaplain Wins Gold Medals in World Senior Games after Hip/Knee Replacement

Teresa Neumann : Nov 10, 2011
Staff - NCN News

Oh, and he had to recuperate from a head injury sustained in a car accident as well.

(Sun City, AZ)—Having a hard time getting motivated to work out? Well, this story about Everett Penrod, 96, might be just the motivation you need.

Competing in October's Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, Penrod—an ordained minister and retired military chaplain—reportedly won four gold medals and set two new world records in the 50 and 100 meter sprints in the 95-99 age category. (Photo: ncnnews.com)

Nearly 10,000 seniors from 71 countries were said to have competed in the games.

"There were several 95 and older people competing, but that was in things like horseshoes and other stuff," he said. "They had me racing with the upper 80 and younger 90 year olds."

Penrod's wins didn't come easy, however. According to a report in NCN News, he was sidelined from competing for five years after he underwent hip and knee surgery and after he suffered a head injury in a car wreck at the age of 85.

He only just got back on the track in 2010.

But Penrod's accomplishments don't end there. In addition to being a competitor on the track, he is writing his 13th novel, The Gideon Factor, and teaching a Bible class at Sun City Church of the Nazarene.

Thank you, Mr. Penrod for modeling for us what old age can be.