Madia still winning medals at age 83
Just driving 500 miles on a Saturday night, getting home at 3 a.m. and waking up in just a few hours to head to church on a Sunday morning would tire out most people. Now, imagine doing it after competing for two days at a high level track and field event at an age when most people have all but given up athletic competition.
Sam Madia, 83, of West Brownsville did just that.
He also did it well enough to bring home some new medals for his collection.
Madia competed in the 80-84 year old age group at the 37th annual Southeastern Master Track and Field Championships at Duke University on May 4 and 5 in Durham, N.C. Not only did he compete, but he won a medal in each of the three events he took part in.
On Friday, Madia placed second in the pentathlon, an event which consists of a 100-meter dash, a 400-meter run, shot put, discus and long jump, which must all be completed in one day.
After excelling in the grueling pentathlon, Madia went out on Saturday and finished first in both the 100 and 200-meter sprints.
While his accomplishments were impressive on their own, Madia was able to succeed in rainy conditions.
“It effected everyone across the board,” Madia said. “It didn’t just pick on me, it picked on all of us. I would have liked to have done better. At this level, everyone would like to have more ideal conditions.”
After 20 years of competing as a senior citizen, Madia admits that he is asked by many people why he continues to compete at such a high level, even at meets like his most recent at Duke. For Madia, the answer is simple.
“It’s very important for me to be here tomorrow,” Madia said. “I’m trying to nourish my body to anticipate longevity. Whatever I can do to take care of myself is paramount.”
Though he is asked almost constantly about how he manages to continue to stay active, Madia takes it in stride. In fact, he rather enjoys lauding the benefits of staying active well into his eighties.
“They tell me, ‘gee I hope I can do that at your age,'” Madia said. “The comradery is great at these meets. I’ve yet to hear anyone swear and nobody gets angry. It’s a pleasure.”