Perhaps no one knows the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat better than athletes in their later years who are still at their game. The aches and pains may be greater but so is the victory at the finish line.  In their new book, The Wonder Years, photographer Rick Rickman and writer Donna Wares capture the spirit of the athletes, who are living proof that getting older doesn’t mean slowing down.

 

Follow AARP Bulletin Today's full coverage of the 2009 Summer National Senior Games.

 

(Text written by Carol Kaufmann, inspired by the work of Donna Wares)

 

 

 

Slideshow Producer: Nicole Crowder

Photo Editor: Michael Wichita