I’m going to start writing a periodic feature called unlikely athletes, which will bring you stories of athletes chasing their Olympic dreams, despite hurdles such as age and physical challenges. If you know of an athlete who should be featured, please tell me about it in the comment section or contact me through the contact information.
Our first athlete is 49 year old Tim Barnes of Pueblo, Colorado. Barnes hopes to make it to Beijing competing in kayaking. Not only will Barnes have to compete against athletes half his age but he’s also had both hips replaced. In spite of this, he’s already had a couple of strong finishes in national competitions. In April, he’ll compete in the Olympic trials in Oklahoma, hoping to complete his dreams of a trip to the Beijing Olympics this summer.
