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2009 Senior Games: Roger Gentilhomme interview
Centegenarian an inspiration at the Senior Games

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Roger Gentilhomme fought a high-noon battle against his opponent on the court at Taube Family Tennis Center during the hottest part of the day Tuesday.

The oven-like radiating heat on the tennis court in mid-August was enough to wilt even the most robust athlete, but Gentilhomme, 100 years old, fought on.

The Massachusetts and Florida resident, who splits his time between the two states -- and still drives himself back and forth -- didn't win his matches at the 2009 Summer National Senior Games, but no matter.

"It was good exercise," he said genially.

Gentilhomme bowled and played tennis at the Games, which took place in the San Francisco Bay Area, with 17 events at Stanford University. It was his sixth Senior Games.

He still received two gold medals despite his losses; no one else was in his age class, he said.

"They made me some kid who was only 93 or 90 years old," he said.

Gentilhomme was cheered on by his son, Claude, and daughter, Calla, and their spouses. In between games, he partied at the Buena Vista Inn in San Francisco and took in the sights.

On his to-do list: Going to the inaugural International Senior Games in the Netherlands in September and playing in the National Senior Games in Houston, Texas, in 2011, he said.

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Comments

Posted by Reader, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Aug 15, 2009 at 10:16 am

If you need a lift, watch the video of Roger Gentilhomme. We're lucky to have had the Senior Games right here -- a huge inspiration for us Baby Boomers. Thank you, Roger and Sue!


Posted by Andy Harader, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Aug 17, 2009 at 6:50 pm

I AM INSPIRED! - Truly a fabulous story, particularly with all the news mayhem. - Andy Harader Head Coach Tennis

PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL


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