Beverly Wood

Embracing Health, Fitness, and Friendship at the New Mexico Senior Olympics

For nearly 30 years, Beverly Wood has been a dedicated competitor in the New Mexico Senior Olympics, showcasing her strength and determination in cycling, weightlifting, and shot put. Hailing from Deming, New Mexico, she’s a true embodiment of the program’s philosophy—continuing to push herself physically while enjoying the benefits of social connection and community.

This year, Beverly is taking a sabbatical from the State Games in Las Cruces to focus on her health. “I’m giving myself a break so I can come back next year healthy and ready to cycle, lift weights, and throw in the shot put,” she explains. Even though she’s taking a step back from competition, Beverly is far from inactive. “Don’t worry,” she says with a laugh, “I’m still exercising!” The decision to focus on her well-being reflects Beverly’s commitment to long-term health, ensuring she returns stronger and more prepared for the next year’s competitions.

Beverly’s love for cycling and weightlifting is evident in how she speaks about each sport. “My favorite events are cycling and weightlifting. They recently added weightlifting, and it balances the cycling really well. I like that I’m able to train and compete in sports that seem opposite, but are both exciting,” she shares. For Beverly, these activities complement each other perfectly, and the ability to challenge herself in diverse ways keeps her motivated year after year.

The New Mexico Senior Olympics, she says, has given her the opportunity to learn new things later in life. She loves that the organization keeps people motivated to keep exercising and working on themselves, setting goals each year to stay active and improve.

At 85, Beverly has often been mistaken for someone much younger, and she credits this youthful appearance to the physical, emotional, and social benefits she gains through the NMSO. “I don’t just see benefits for my bodily health. The friendships and socializing keep me young and healthy overall,” she says. It’s clear that the positive energy of the NMSO has contributed significantly to her vitality.

Beverly has a message for those who are new to the Senior Olympics or those looking to elevate their training. “Get in there and try it,” she encourages. “Sure, we all want to be first and get gold, but everyone who competes in the NMSO is a winner and will be rewarded with more than just medals. The community is unmatched, and no one is ever vicious or negative. It’s a great balance of friendship and healthy competition.”

For Beverly Wood, the New Mexico Senior Olympics is about more than just competition—it’s about staying healthy, fostering friendships, and living life to the fullest.