Think shuffleboard is the only sport for seniors? Think again. In the National Senior Games, athletes compete in everything from swimming and track & field to softball, bowling and badminton - and, yes, shuffleboard. The most recent competition attracted more than 10,000 athletes from all 50 states.
And you won't believe how buff bodies over 50 can be. At left, 58-year-old Iowan Kay Glynn breaks a world record in the pole vault for women ages 55-59. Keep clicking to have a look at 21 more inspiring photos taken at the 2011 games, held last June in Houston...
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Leslie Evans of Pittsburgh smiles and laughs before the start of the triathlon in Pearland, Texas on the eleventh day of the Summer National Senior Games on June 26, 2011. Evans was talking about how a crocodile had been seen at the golf event and she hoped that there weren't any in the swimming section of the triathlon.
Credit: Adam Caira/Brooks Institute
Swimming during the 2011 National Senior Games at the University of Houston Campus Recreation & Wellness Center in Houston, on June 27, 2011.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
Women gather in a huddle during the basketball 65-70 age group.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
During day twelve of the 2011 National Senior Games.
Credit: Christen Minnick/Brooks Institute
During day six of the games, R.G. Wolf rests in the shade after competing in the 200 Meter Dash in the 80-84 age group at the Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas on June 21, 2011.
Credit: Doriane Raiman/Brooks Institute
Jane Soeten performs an under-the-leg dribble in the Texas Challengers vs. Sooner Gals 80+ basketball competition during day seven of the games.
Credit: Doriane Raiman/Brooks Institute
Gail Johnson wrestles the ball away from Garth Stam during the men's basketball competition at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on June 22, 2011.
Credit: Ryan Buller/Brooks Institute
Merilyn Hilliard, left, with Texas Challenge fights for the ball with Jane Soeten and Melba Mcferran of the Oklahoma Sooner Gals during their women's 80+ basketball game.
Credit: Adam Caira/Brooks Institute
An athlete swims in the men's 200 Meter Breaststroke swimming competition at the University of Houston on June 26, 2011.
Credit: Doriane Raiman/Brooks Institute
An archery contestant at Southwyck Lake Park at Silverlake in Pearland, Texas on June 26, 2011.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
Dinah Anderson, a 59-year-old from Texas, turns during the 50-59 women's hammer throw held at Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas on June 17, 2011.
Credit: Audra Arbas/Brooks Institute
During day five of the 2011 National Senior Games, Bob Hartje of the Keystone Divers jumps to spike the ball in the 60+ men's Kettering Wreckers vs. Keystone Divers volleyball game.
Credit: Doriane Raiman/Brooks Institute
Kay Glynn performs for a high jumping portrait in action during track and field on day four of the Senior Games.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Competitors for the women's 400 meter stand with pride while receiving their medals.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Men's volleyball players gather during day two of the games.
Credit: Doriane Raiman/Brooks Institute
Thelma Tybie competes with the women's table tennis 75-80 age group.
Credit: Grayson Fordyce/Brooks Institute
Bob Powers throws a javelin at Turner Stadium in Humble, Texas on June 20, 2011.
Credit: Audra Arbas/Brooks Institute
Jean Daly runs across second base against the Freedom Spirits in women's softball at the Big League Field.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
A softball player in action during a game at Big League Dreams stadium in League City, Texas.
Credit: Dylan Gordon/Brooks Institute
The Rockin' Ribbies from Florida dance and cheer prior to their first game of the day at Big League Dreams field in Houston.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
Gordon McNamee competes in the men's 70-74 Tennis Singles on on June 25, 2011.
Credit: Audra Arbas/Brooks Institute
The Bathtub Billies from Rochester, N.Y. gather before a softball game at Big League Dreams stadium.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Kent Menzel leads the pack in the 50-54 age group during the 20k road race event in Katy, Texas on June 18, 2011.
Credit: Ryan Buller/Brooks Institute
Pole vaulting is a regular event at the National Senior Games.
Credit: Dylan Gordon/Brooks Institute
The Golden Gals center fielder catches a pop fly during a softball game against Freedom Spirit at Big League Dreams stadium on June 27, 2011.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Nikolai Zabotkine leaps into the water in the men's 50 yard freestyle event during the swimming competition at the University of Houston's Recreation and Wellness Center on June 27, 2011.
Credit: Ryan Buller/Brooks Institute
Vito Calzone, from Rochester, N.Y., is safe at second base as shortstop #10 Kenn Ferraro throws to #12 Bob Ruiz of the Grant County Boomers from New Mexico, during a softball game on Friday, June 17th in Houston.
Credit: Benjamin Morris/Brooks Institute
Essie Faria of the 75-79 age group returns the ball during the table tennis competition in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on June 19, 2011.
Credit: Ryan Buller/Brooks Institute
Pole vaulting during the track and field event on Friday, June 24, 2011.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
Beth Gorman competes in the sprint triathlon on June 26, 2011 in Southwick, Texas.
Credit: Dylan Gordon/Brooks Institute
Barbara Wintroub returns the ball during a women's singles match on June 23, 2011.
Credit: Dylan Gordon/Brooks Institute
The Golden Girls gather at the end of their loss in women's softball at the Big League Field, in Houston.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
Linda Henager competes against Texas in basketball at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
Ron Adams golfs at the Black Horse Golf Club held in Cypress, Texas on June 21, 2011.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
During day twelve of the Games in Houston.
Credit: Christen Minnick/Brooks Institute
Stretching for volleyball during day twelve of the Games.
Credit: Christen Minnick/Brooks Institute
C. Hickey competes in Track and Field held at Turner Stadium in Humble Texas on June 19, 2011.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
Steven Petterson competes in swimming at the University of Houston Texas on day eleven of the Games.
Credit: Lauren Hathaway/Brooks Institute
Jay Turberville, a competitor in the men's 50-54 table tennis division serves the ball during a match.
Credit: Dylan Gordon/Brooks Institute
Byron Melendy competes in the men's 70+ 800 meter track event on day seven of the Games.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
The Maine Quicksilver Womens' basketball league reenact a "Go Team" cheer while posing for a portrait at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, on day two of the Games.
Credit: Suzanne Tylander/Brooks Institute
The next Summer National Senior Games are scheduled for July 2013 in Cleveland.