THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994 TAG: 9406220112
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE MICHAUX, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: 940623 LENGTH: Medium
Being alive, in good health and living in your own home at age 92 would be satisfying enough for most people.
{REST} But Kendrick isn't most people.
Fourteen years ago he married his second wife and two years later began competing in the Golden Olympics at age 80. During that time he has racked up 75 gold medals, including seven at the most recent games earlier this month in Williamsburg.
He was the oldest competitor in the '94 games and quite frankly he just didn't have any competition.
``There are very few people competing in my age group,'' Kendrick said. ``I had some in my 80s but I was still beating everybody. It's a lot more fun to have competition.''
Kendrick, who used to be a swimmer and has switched to track and field events, said he doesn't have a preferred event.
``I do just about everything, he said. ``I like them all. I got into this for some action and there is action in all of them.''
Although he did pull out of the 1,500-meter walk after taking a preliminary stroll along the course.
``I was huffing and puffing, so I decided I didn't need to do the 1,500,'' Kendrick said.
Kendrick's training regime is simple. He works outside in the yard every day, plays yard games like horseshoes and rides his bike as often as he can.
``I keep in shape. Nobody is in good shape at this age, but I do what I can,'' Kendrick said.
He also spends at least one night a week ballroom dancing with his wife. Ida is Lawson's second wife and they celebrated their 14th anniversary this week. Lawson is quick to credit Ida with all of his accomplishments.
``I know if I hadn't met my second wife I'd be in a nursing home right now. She has kept me alive really.''
With a house full of gold medals, Kendrick is showing no signs of slowing down. He will travel to San Antonio as one the Virginia representatives at the U.S. Senior Sports Classic next spring and he is determined to keep going until he finds some competition.
``I'll keep going as long as I feel like I do. I hope that next year I will have some competition.'' by CNB