Huntsman World Senior Games Began in St. George
The 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games kicked off at Burns Arena with over 12,200 athletes from 33 nations participating.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Other Sports
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The 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games began with an opening ceremony at Burns Arena in St. George. The international competition features more than 12,200 athletes hailing from 33 different countries.
Why it matters
The games serve as a global stage for senior athletics, highlighting the endurance and capabilities of older competitors. This year, the event has expanded its programming to include cornhole as a new competitive sport.
A total of 12,200 athletes are competing in the games, which include new sports such as cornhole. Notable participants include 101-year-old table tennis player Yuet Yu Ma and 100-year-old track athlete Alta Pierson.
The players
DonnaJean Wilde
She is the athlete who set a new Guinness World Record for the longest female abdominal plank.
Yuet Yu Ma
She is a 101-year-old competitor participating in the table tennis events.
Alta Pierson
She is a 100-year-old athlete who has entered six different track and field events.
The details
The opening ceremony featured a parade of athletes and a record-breaking performance by DonnaJean Wilde, who set a Guinness World Record for the longest female abdominal plank. The competition is held on the campus of Utah Tech University and will continue throughout the duration of the event.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Opening ceremony held at Burns Arena.
October 17, 2026: Final day of the competition.
October 24, 2026: Birthday for participant Yuet Yu Ma.
October 27, 2026: Birthday for participant Alta Pierson.
The Big Picture
This event reflects the ongoing international growth of the Senior Games movement. It follows the documented trend of increased competitive athletic participation among senior citizens.
The games will host daily competitions through October 17, impacting campus access at Utah Tech University. Attendees should prepare for high volume as 12,200 athletes compete in various venues.
The takeaway
The performance of centenarian athletes demonstrates that competitive physical activity is viable at any age. Spectators can witness these records and ongoing competitions daily until the games conclude.
Further reading
Find more updates on local athletics at Other Sports.
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Do you intend to stay physically active or participate in sports into your later years?
