An 89-year-old grandmother who’s been playing table tennis for decades doesn’t plan on retiring from her favorite sport any time soon and is already training to secure a title at the upcoming championship.
Widower Pam Butcher insists she feels just as fit as she did in her 20s despite being an octogenarian who received the nickname of Britain’s oldest table tennis player.
Watch 89-Year-Old Woman Play Table Tennis Like A Pro!
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As the senior admitted, playing the sport helps her keep arthritis and Alzheimer’s at bay.
Until last year, Butcher had been the world champion in table tennis in the age category of 85+. She is now training hard in hopes of winning the title once again next year when she reaches 90 years old.
“I’ve always liked knocking a ball about,” the Kent-based woman said.
“I love the social side. When I play abroad, I meet lots of friends, it’s a very cheap sport to play and it’s good exercise. It keeps me mentally alert as well as active. Age is no barrier, it’s just a number.”
According to Pam, she’s only been playing the sport competitively after reaching her 40s and getting more time on her hands. Up to date, she has already won 30 medals.
“Table tennis has let me see the parts world which I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. It’s taken me to Canada, America, Japan, China and Brazil,” she added.
“I was having a knock around one lunchtime and some colleagues asked me to play in their team, they thought I was pretty reasonable.
“From then onward I started to compete in their league and it all developed from there. All the players I play against are lovely and I enjoy playing with a broad variety of people.
“It makes me move a lot and to bend and stretch, it definitely helps my concentration and has almost certainly kept Alzheimer’s and dementia from the door.
“My joints and bones are great, I don’t move as well as I did but I move well enough to enjoy a game and beat players half my age.”
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