J Life | April-June 2019 apr-may-19-jlife | Page 5

Congrats ,MAUREEN!!
A JOURNEY TO THE SENIOR OLYMPICS
Written by: Nichole Wiley, Director of Marketing, Communications & PR
Meet Maureen. Third
place finisher in the
Tucson Parks and
Recreation Senior
Olympics Powerlifting
Event and enthusiastic
Tucson J member! Maureen recalls a Saturday in July when she met with
personal trainer, Patty Babel, for training specific to
balance. Slowly but surely, the magic happened. Through
patient coaching and hard work, Maureen transformed
into a fit and healthy woman!
It wasn’t always in Maureen’s plans to compete in the
Senior Olympics. It actually began as a joke.
Maureen Metcalfe
joined The J in April
of 2017 after a friend
brought her in as a
guest. She says was
impressed by the
whole facility and
joined a few days later. “I was approached by my wife’s coworkers on my 70th
birthday with congratulations on signing up for the
competition—so, I did!”
“Over time, I have grown to love the community spirit
of The J, from the rotating art exhibits to the collections
of senior prom gowns, holiday gifts and food for the less
fortunate among us,” says Maureen.
After joining, she and her wife agreed, Maureen needed
a more focused approach in the gym. After several
hospitalizations for a neurological condition, Maureen
was a bit defeated.
“I had pretty much accepted a role as ‘couch potato,’ in
part because of balance issues I was experiencing.”
Maureen set a goal and put in a lot of hard work and
dedication with her trainer, Patty. With persistence at The
J and support from her wife and friends, she earned a tie
for third place at the Tucson Parks and Recreation Senior
Olympics Powerlifting Event on January 25, 2019.
Maureen was proud to represent The J community with
her rainbow t-shirt!
“I have gained so much since I joined The J. My body
is stronger, my spirit is brighter, and my community is
larger. The only thing I have lost is 30 pounds—if found,
do NOT return!”
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