June Benjamin is in seventh heaven.
That’s because the 72-year-old athlete recently returned home from the September 24 to October 5 Nevada Senior Games with seven gold medals from the seven events in which she participated in?Las Vegas.
Competing in the 70-74 age group, Benjamin, who also competes in the local National Senior Games, placed first in the 100 metres (18.74 seconds), 200 metres (42.91), 400 metres (1:00.45 minutes), long jump (2.49 metres), weight throw (6.36 metres), softball throw (57 feet, 8 inches) and the hammer throw (7.15 metres).
Benjamin’s sister, Stephanie Greaves, who competed in the 65-69 category, also performed creditably, copping three gold medals, three silver and one bronze.
She won gold in the 100, 200 and hammer throw, took silver in the long jump, softball and weight throw, and bronze in the discus.
Their performances qualified them to compete in next year’s United States National Senior Games which will be held in Cleveland, Ohio from July 21 to August 5.
In an interview with WEEKENDSPORT yesterday, Benjamin expressed delight at having exceeded expectations, while also noting that she was eagerly awaiting next year’s games.
“I am really looking forward to going out there and putting my best foot forward,” the 400-metre record holder declared.
“My main goal next year will be to duplicate this performance by winning all of my events and continue to be the golden girl.”
