Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, takes a break while she practices for the swimming competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
On Thursday, July 13, Rita Seelig Ayers, a 72-year-old swimmer from Manteo, competed in the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and placed 27 out of 47 in the 50-yard free in the 70-74 age bracket.
Additionally, Ayers was selected as a Humana Game Changer — a national recognition for exemplifying healthy aging and for providing encouragement, motivation, and inspiration for all seniors to live healthy lifestyles.
A lifelong athlete, Rita was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 51 after experiencing temporary blindness, stiff joints, generalized pain and weakness and lethargy. Rita was on medication for 20 years but vowed to stay active and says that she is now able to self-medicate with fitness.
It is Rita’s mission to inspire others – especially her fellow seniors – to be active.
Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, accepts a Humana Game Changer medal from Theresa Andrews, a 1984 two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer and now a vice president at Humana’s CenterWell Senior Primary Care organization, during the 2023 National Senior Games on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. Nearly 12,000 men and women aged 50 and over are competing July 7-18 as part of the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Ayers, from Manteo, North Carolina, is one of 28 athletes selected for national recognition as a Humana Game Changer, which celebrates athletes’ commitment to healthy aging and their encouragement, motivation and inspiration to people of all ages to get active. Ayers, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 51, says she was on medication for 20 years but now self-medicates with fitness and a healthy lifestyle. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, accepts a Humana Game Changer medal from Theresa Andrews, a 1984 two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer and now a vice president at Humana’s CenterWell Senior Primary Care organization, during the 2023 National Senior Games on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. Nearly 12,000 men and women aged 50 and over are competing July 7-18 as part of the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Ayers, from Manteo, North Carolina, is one of 28 athletes selected for national recognition as a Humana Game Changer, which celebrates athletes’ commitment to healthy aging and their encouragement, motivation and inspiration to people of all ages to get active. Ayers, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 51, says she was on medication for 20 years but now self-medicates with fitness and a healthy lifestyle. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, takes a break while she practices for the swimming competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. Nearly 12,000 men and women aged 50 and over are competing July 7-18 as part of the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Ayers, from Manteo, North Carolina, is one of 28 athletes selected for national recognition as a Humana Game Changer, which celebrates athletes’ commitment to healthy aging and their encouragement, motivation and inspiration to people of all ages to get active. Ayers, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 51, says she was on medication for 20 years but now self-medicates with fitness and a healthy lifestyle. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, takes a break while she practices for the swimming competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. Nearly 12,000 men and women aged 50 and over are competing July 7-18 as part of the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Ayers, from Manteo, North Carolina, is one of 28 athletes selected for national recognition as a Humana Game Changer, which celebrates athletes’ commitment to healthy aging and their encouragement, motivation and inspiration to people of all ages to get active. Ayers, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 51, says she was on medication for 20 years but now self-medicates with fitness and a healthy lifestyle. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
Cyclist and swimmer Rita Seelig Ayers, 72, takes a break while she practices for the swimming competition at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Andrew Rush/AP Images for Humana Inc.)
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