Senior Olympian bound for nationals

Cory Hartbarger is still competing at a high level at the age of 82. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

There is never a better time to reach one's goals then the present -- especially for Cory Hartbarger, 82, of Shelbyville, who leaves Monday for the National Senior Olympics.

Hartbarger broke Tennessee records in the javelin throw (75'3 1/2", previously 71'9 1/2") and the shot put (33'4 3/4", previously 33' 3") on July 18. He'll compete in both events plus the discus at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., this week.

"I'd like to bring back a great experience," Hartbarger said. "I'd like to come back with at least a ribbon (awarded for fourth to eighth places). I'd love to come back with a bronze. You'd got to be able to look forward to something. But I'm just proud to go. I've waited a long time for something like this."

Hartbarger said his trip was made possible by several sponsors who raised around $3,000. They include Mr. and Mrs. Bailey Little, Billy Hicks, Dorothy Elkins, Haywood Russell, Dixie Parker, Sylvia Pinson, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Williams, Dorothy Bates, Betty Sain, the Shelbyville Lions Club, First Community Bank, The Webb School, Edwin Johnson, Forrest Shoaf and Howard Siegel. The Times-Gazette published an article about this issue last year which helped get the ball rolling, Hartbarger said.

Hartbarger displays medals earned for setting Tennessee senior records in the shot put and javelin in July. He won gold in these events, silver in the softball throw, and bronze in the discus. (T-G Photo by Jasen Richardson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"They should be recognized that they sponsored me," Hartbarger said. "These are (some of) the guys that pushed me. Way back, before I went to the state last year, they said, 'If you qualify we'll see that you get to the nationals.'"

Hartbarger has been involved in athletics for the majority of his life. In high school he became familiar with discus. He enlisted in the Army on his 17th birthday and fought in Okinawa during World War II. After a couple of years overseas, Hartbarger returned home to finish high school and moved on to Northern Michigan University, where he began to compete in the shot put and javelin as well.

"I'm glad he's going," wife Alice said. "He's been an athlete all his life. He also played professional baseball, he's played football, so I'm glad he's going."

With an exceptional athletic past alongside several adversities, from numerous surgeries to several changes in career paths, Hartbarger says he's really looking forward to competing at this level and turning over a new leaf.

Hartbarger has been involved in Bedford County activities for many years and, with his wife, taught at Webb School in Bell Buckle where he was a driving force in setting up its physical education program.

Hartbarger competes in Palo Alto, Calif., this week. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

Most of the pressure to achieve comes from within, Hartbarger said.

"Do the best you can," Hartbarger said when asked about his philosophies. "Don't quit, no matter what. You just can't quit. And they don't expect me to do more than I can do. Nobody's pressing me. The pressure comes from me."

Hartbarger will compete in the discus event Thursday and the shot put and javelin Friday.