Betty St. John bites down on her 85th medal at the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games. The 85-year-old veteran proved that age is no barrier to staying fit and active. (Courtesy of VA Rocky Mountain Network)
SALT LAKE CITY, U.T. — Betty St. John doesn’t just participate in the National Veterans Golden Age Games — she owns them.
St. John, an 85-year-old Veteran, has secured her 85th medal at the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games, proving that age is no barrier to staying fit and active.
For 22 years, the U.S. Army cook turned U.S. Navy nurse has been a familiar face at the Golden Age Games. With 85 medals to her name, she’s proven that determination knows no age limit.
“I was fortunate,” St. John said. “I was never injured or deployed during my service. But let me tell you, staying in shape gets tougher as you get older. VA and my doctor thought the Golden Age Games might give me the motivation I needed. And they were right.”
Army veteran Betty St. John shows off the latest additions to her medal collection at the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games. (Courtesy of VA Rocky Mountain Network)
Betty St. John, an 85-year-old Veteran, has secured her 85th medal at the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games, proving that age is no barrier to staying fit and active. (Courtesy of VA Rocky Mountain Network)
A lifetime of experience
St. John lights up when she talks about the Golden Age Games.
“It’s not just about the medals,” she insists. “It’s the experience. It’s about meeting other Veterans, seeing new places and making memories.”
You believe her when she says her 85th medal, a gold in horseshoes, is a testament to the “fitness for life” motto.
“I’m 85 and still out here competing,” said St. John. “That tells you something—if you take care of your physical and mental health, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Staying motivated
Ask St. John what keeps her going, and she quickly responds: “The Games, plain and simple.”
“It’s easy to get complacent, especially at my age. But the Games keep me moving and keep me fit. And let me tell you, the friendships I’ve made, the memories, they’re worth more than any medal.”
She pauses, remembering the start of it all.
“My first Games were in Maine, my home state. I’ll never forget winning that first gold medal. It was like a sign—this is what’s going to keep me going.”
Encouragement for other Veterans
St. John has a message for other Veterans: “Just give it a try.”
She knows some might be hesitant, thinking the Games are about competition.
“But it’s not just that,” she explains. “The Games are about learning to stay fit at any age or level.”
Army veteran Betty St. John flexes her muscles at the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games, showing off her “fitness for life” motto. (Courtesy of VA Rocky Mountain Network)
Looking ahead
St. John’s events are over for this year, but she’s not done with the Games.
“I’m going to cheer on my friends and see what events I might want to try next year. Maybe bobsled,” she adds with a smile.
What she hopes, though, is that her story reaches other Veterans.
“Without the Games, I wouldn’t be as active or happy as I am today,” she said. “The Games changed my life; let them change yours, too.”
The Golden Age Games include 19 competitive events in three categories: ambulatory, wheelchair and visually impaired divisions, and eight age groups ranging from 55 to 90+. 825 Veteran participants, including 367 novice athletes and 254 female Veterans, competed at the 2024 Games.
Jesus Flores is a writer for the VA Rocky Mountain Network Marine Corps Veteran.
