Never Too Old

A feature of an open international tournament organized in the United States of America is that alongside the main events there will be host of other competitions for players of all ages, those who simply play table tennis for fun.

The Liebherr U.S. Open which started in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday 8th July 2005 is no exception.

Several hundred players are in domestic competition, organized under the auspices of the United States Table Tennis Association; they can only be described as ‘Ping-Pong Nuts’ and avid recreational players. There is a human interest story at practically every table. Few of them give more satisfaction than the Over 70 Doubles.

Athletic Skill
At an age when many people are happy simply to see another sunrise or meditate their pain, there are seniors performing at a high level of athletic skill. In the final of Over 70 Doubles, George BRATHWAITE and his partner Marvin LEFF prevailed three games to one against Grady GORDON and his cohort, Hugh LAX. All four of these men are in excellent physical condition and played a doubles match with continual movement and constant pressuring attacks that belied their ages.

George BRATHWAITE, of course, is well known for his outstanding conditioning. Famous as a member of the 1972 US Team that visited China in the ‘Ping-Pong Diplomacy’ episode, George has never abandoned his offensive style and third ball attack. “I’ve known this young man”, George said of his partner, Marvin LEFF, “since we were teenagers; his wife got us together as a Doubles Team for this year’s competition.”

First Time
Runners up Grady GORDON and Hugh LAX were playing together for the first time but refused to make that an excuse for their three-one loss. “I played against GRADY for the first time back in 1975 at Oklahoma City” Hugh informed me. “I beat him that day but haven’t beaten him since he added long-pimpled rubber to his game.” At seventy-three and seventy-eight years of age, LAX and GORDON both play like men fifteen to twenty years younger. Dr. GORDON never made mention of the artificial joints which I know he carries as he discussed his match. I asked GRADY if table tennis is the `Fountain of Youth’, the secret to his longevity. “I don’t know about that”, the venerable Texan replied, “But it sure hasn’t hurt!”

It’s my opinion that the social interaction and cardiovascular benefits of table tennis has contributed to the ‘state of preservation’ for all four of these men. Having something to look forward to, like a rematch at the 2006 US Open, is also a factor. So whether one is watching KREANGA and SAMSONOV and their Olympic level play in the ITTF Pro Tour events, or wandering the sixty tables of the US Open domestic competition, there is plenty to be learned about fighting spirit, dedication, and athletic courage.