Power Walk Debuts For Medal Competition At The Games
There is a new event in the lineup at the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana: power walking. In fact, the partnership of the US Power Walking Association and NSGA represents the first-ever formally-sanctioned national competition for the sport.
Power is very similar to Olympic-style race walking but has less stringent rules. Power walking basically only requires that one must strike with the heel, and maintain one foot on the ground at all times. Both are monitored events, meaning that racers can be disqualified during the event if they if they break from the technical requirements.
Athletes have the option to race in a 1500M or 5K power walk distances at The Games, and many participate in both races. 2019 is a unique year as the initial power walk competitions are classified as “open events,” meaning no prior qualification is required.
Patricia Winiecki, who hails from Los Angeles, CA, competed in the 1500M race for the 65-69 year-olds, told The Games Daily that she felt fantastic after having finished the race. This is Pat’s first time at the National Senior Games and she notes that her role in Katherine Switzer’s 261 Fearless Team was what brought her here.
“I’d recommend it to anyone that can get out there,” she says, then exclaiming, “Come join us! It was so much fun. It’s a long road getting here, and everyone who even gets here should celebrate and we did that. We were a sisterhood out there. We made friends right on the starting line,” she says with a smile..
Another athlete, Michiel Bourdrez, 83, of Corrales, New Mexico enjoyed his first time competing in the National Senior Games and is taking home an 8th place ribbon. Bourdrez placed eighth in his race and contributed his success to plenty of training beforehand.
“I practiced a lot,” said Michael. “For a little over a year, twice a week, we would go out and practice.”
With a large initial number of enthusiastic competitors, it’s apparent that athletes are quickly becoming fans of the sport. However, the event will have qualification criteria for participation at the next National Senior Games. Better start training now!
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