Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes
Welcome to our special series highlighting the incredible stories of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they strive towards their fitness goals in 2024. Check out all of their inspiring stories here.
Hello everyone, I’m Tom Simek. I’m 72 years old and I reside in the serene forest at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in charming Santa Fe, NM. Over a decade ago, a wake-up call during a physical exam sparked my journey to wellness. This path has taken me on adventures across the country and around the globe, participating in track events and conquering challenges – both physically and mentally! Today, I’m excited to share more about my experiences as an American Ninja Warrior and as a grandfather. Continue reading to discover how you can take your next step towards living life to the fullest.
When my health took a significant turn, I never imagined it would lead to a complete transformation of my sedentary lifestyle – from being a construction worker and an unhealthy workaholic to building a completely new life for myself. I was initially scared and resistant to change, as I was set in my ways. Change has always been challenging for me. (Let’s be real, most of us are terrified of change!) But I realized I had a choice to make: I could continue down the path of inactivity, leading to a total breakdown and eventual death, or I could take action and do something different.
A New World Awaits
I am already a winner just by stepping up!
Taking control of my health and fitness has opened up a whole new world for me. My first step was getting involved in masters and senior track and field, competing in events like the 50m, 100m, 200m, and long jump. Through this sport, I have competed at national and international levels, forming bonds with like-minded athletes from around the world. I’ve made lifelong friends who I stay connected with, a crucial aspect of our senior years. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, the athletes are incredibly supportive because we all understand the dedication it takes to participate. By simply showing up, I consider myself a winner!
Next, I ventured into obstacle course training with the goal of submitting an audition tape to the NBC show, American Ninja Warrior. When I received the invitation to compete on the show, alongside athletes much younger than me, it was an indescribable feeling!
@ninjawarrior Always impressed with our ninjas that remind us how age is no obstacle! 😱👌🏼 #ANW #ninjawarrior #AmericanNinjaWarrior #grandpaninja ♬ original sound – American Ninja Warrior
Fitness and Family
I never could have predicted that this new lifestyle would bring me closer to my family, a vibrant active routine, and a diverse group of friends spanning all generations. Just last night, I watched the episode of ANW where my story was featured, focusing on my bond with my granddaughter.
You need a reason to wake up in the morning and be grateful!
None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t embraced the challenge for change. I continue to set new challenges for myself to keep my life full of excitement and adventure. This is crucial because having a sense of purpose every day is essential for living a fulfilled life!
Life Is Worth Living – Come Join Me!
When I discovered that I was selected as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, I felt the same excitement as when I was chosen for American Ninja Warrior! My hope is to inspire others to embark on their own journey so we can all achieve a higher quality of life and enjoy our senior years together.
If you’re ready to take that first step towards changing your story, I invite you to join me here on seniorplanet.org for my online presentation on July 31: Life-Enriching Workouts. I’ll be demonstrating exercises that can benefit you in your daily activities, providing modifications for different fitness levels to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. I look forward to seeing you there!
Looking for some motivation to get moving? Participate in our daily health and wellness programs, stay updated with the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by subscribing to The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | X) to get to know more about these inspiring athletes. Also, check out previous Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete programs on our YouTube channel. You might discover a new passion for fitness along the way!
Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any fitness program to determine its suitability for your needs. The advice and information in this article are not a substitute for medical consultation.
Photos courtesy of Tom Simek / American Ninja Warrior / Elizabeth Morris, NBC
