What Makes Rita Run: Can You Relate?

In the realm of inspirational athletes, two key elements stand out: achievement and motivation.

Consider Rita Hanscom, a 70-year-old powerhouse who recently won the gold medal and set an American record in the pentathlon at the USA Track & Field Masters Indoor Championships in Florida.

That’s an incredible achievement.

But what’s even more powerful is the motivation that drives her.

“One of my main goals for all of this is to live a healthy life, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to remain healthy and independent,” says Rita. “I have two grown children, and they’ve got families, and I don’t ever want to be a burden. I don’t want to be dependent on them.

“So, I think if I have something like sports to keep me active, that’s really what I’m striving for.”

Rita’s “why” isn’t about medals or records—it’s about something we can all relate to: staying strong, active, and independent as we age.

Not everyone wants to compete in track and field events, and most of us wouldn’t even know where to start with a pentathlon (which, for the record, includes five demanding events).

But we all want to have the strength, agility, and energy to live life on our own terms—to keep up with our kids and grandkids, to move without pain, and to enjoy life fully.

And that’s exactly why so many people make fitness a priority, even if they never set foot on a track.

Not Slowing Down Anytime Soon

Rita isn’t just an athlete—she’s also a dedicated professional, still working part-time for the state attorney general, where she investigates fraud in health care.

Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her job and into 15 years of Masters-level competition, including a world record in the heptathlon in Finland in 2009.

That year, she won five gold medals and was even named the Best Masters Female Athlete in the World.

Yet, for all her success, Rita remains humble. While she could probably tell you how many fraudsters she has put behind bars, she has no idea how many national or world championships she’s won.

For her, it’s not about the titles—it’s about the challenge.

“It’s not linear, it is a wide assortment of skills, and I’ve just really enjoyed the physical challenge,” she says.

Her events demand speed, agility, strength, balance, and endurance—a demanding mix that’s impressive for any athlete, let alone one in her 70s.

Keep Moving, No Matter What

Like any athlete, Rita has faced setbacks. She’s battled through two Achilles injuries in recent years, but she refuses to let that slow her down.

“I’m probably about 95% now,” she says. “So, in spite of what people say, ‘Oh, you’ll never be back to normal,’ I disagree. I think you can heal yourself. Just kind of give it time.”

That mindset—that belief in the body’s ability to heal and adapt—is crucial for anyone wanting to stay active for life.

Inactivity, on the other hand, only makes things worse.

“People will take a month off to deal with aches and pains,” she says. “After a big meet once, I decided to take a month off and things still got sore. You know, you still get aches and pains when you’re not doing anything.”

Her advice? Keep moving.

Movement is medicine. Strength, flexibility, and endurance don’t just disappear overnight—but they do fade when we stop using them.

A Reminder for Us All

Rita will likely be ranked No. 1 in the pentathlon when the World Masters Athletes meet again this month in Florida.

That’s an amazing accomplishment, but it’s not the main point of her story.

Her real victory lies in her commitment to staying active, healthy, and independent—something we should all strive for, no matter our age.

So, what’s your “why”?

Whether it’s playing with your grandkids, traveling, staying strong for your family, or simply feeling better every day, remember: your health is your greatest asset.

Stay active. Stay strong. Stay independent. Just like Rita.

#MastersAthlete #HealthyAging #StayActive #Longevity #Inspiration

And if you’re looking for more faith-based fitness tips, be sure to check out our free “8 Hacks to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger” guide to help you on your journey.