Brian Donahue admits that if someone had told him 20 years ago that he'd one day compete in the National Senior Games in pickleball, he wouldn't have believed them. Even as a longtime athlete, he didn't place himself in an elite category.
But beginning this week, the 78-year-old Brio of Johnston resident and retired educator is indeed providing himself to be an elite athlete: He'll take part in the Games, held July 24 through August 4 in West Des Moines. He'll compete with a partner in the mixed-doubles category.
Read Brian's story below, and wish him luck!
"About 10 years ago, some friends got into pickleball," Brian says. "They raved about it — the levels of play, how everyone could find their own comfort level. They told me pickleball is really accepting of beginners. Everyone there wants to make you better. So once you realize that, there’s no fear of, 'I’m not going to do well.'
"I've been a runner, so I guess you could say the fundamental ability was there. And once you start catching on, it's easy to see yourself playing. In pickleball, you don’t need a million skills. If you can master a few, you can be relatively competitive.
"The game is designed to minimize speed and movement. One thing that appeals to many people about it is that the objective is to make it a sport that anyone can play. Keep in mind that it's a wiffle ball, so it really doesn't go that fast!
"Most people play doubles. You’re covering an area about the size of a car, which is manageable. I play with a woman approximately my age, and we've played together for five years. Our skills are complimentary.
"I love playing the game. But what I actually love most about the whole pickleball experience is that it's my passion and my reason to get up in the morning. You have to have that as you age. I wake up and know I'm going to see my friends and we're going to play and get coffee after. That's it! That's why I get up and get moving.
"People who play pickleball together tend to develop close friendships. A lot of people take vacations with their pickleball partners. My pickleball friends and I went to Costa Rica together; traveling for pickleball has done a lot for tourism in our age category!
"There is somewhat of a risk involved in playing, but it's a good trade-off; I could hurt my knee, but if I sit in a chair all day, that's more dangerous to my health and my well-being. The turning, the reaching ... they keep your muscles loose, and they burn calories.
"The game also doesn't cost a lot of money to play. You need a paddle and balls, and some athletic shorts. That's it! Now, some of the paddles are pricey, but you can start with a basic one for not a lot of money.
"If you've wanted to try pickleball, my advice would be to go for it. And be patient! In my experience, it takes 10 to 20 games before you feel like you know what you’re doing. The key is to find a group of people you can connect with.
"But if pickleball isn't your thing, find something that is! So many hobbies are solitary; consider finding one that isn't. The social component is critical. Just find your reason to get up! Remind yourself that you deserve not to just sit in a chair, and get started."
Learn more about the National Senior Games here. If you want to cheer Brian on in person, the event schedule can be found here!
