George Freeman, a 91-year-old ex-physical education instructor from Novi, Michigan, has achieved incredible feats and success since joining the National Senior Games in 1985. His determination and inspirational spirit have inspired many generations to overcome age barriers and fight for their goals. From competing in multiple marathons, including the Boston Marathon six times, to outrunning death as a child, Freeman has proved himself full of courage and resilience. History serves as an example of how determination can help one achieve success on all grounds.
George Freeman of Novi is an inspirational figure who has defied age and achieved incredible feats since joining the National Senior Games in 1985. At 91, he excels in bowling and running, showing no signs of slowing down. His determination and spirit have been an inspiration to older generations everywhere.
George Freeman is an exemplary example of determination and resilience, having achieved remarkable feats since joining the National Senior Games in 1985. As a 91-year-old ex-physical education instructor, he has proven to be a slow-twitch athlete with no signs of slowing down. His passion for running began at a young age in South Byron, New York, when he had to run or walk just shy of a mile from home to school. Despite nearly perishing as a child after being hit by a car during a storm, Freeman remained resilient and exclaimed, “I’m too young to die!” with a laugh. His courage and spirit serve as motivation to all generations.
After graduating from the State University of New York at Brockport, Freeman married his wife Cathy for 42 years until she passed away in 2002. He was blessed with four children, three girls, and one boy, who unfortunately died in a car accident. Despite this tragedy, Freeman has run 27 marathons, including competing in the Boston Marathon six times — something he had always wanted to do since his father mentioned it during his youth. His daughter Sue Flanagan proudly recalled how her father met her at mile 20 to help her get through the next 5 miles when she ran her first marathon. George Freeman’s remarkable story of resilience and strength is inspirational.
After retiring at age 55, Freeman discovered a newfound passion for bowling. He soon found that it was a popular sport in small towns, and he was pretty good at it – recalling his best score to be at least a 260 without needing to “go to confession”! He advised people to make exercise a habit, so even when the weather was terrible, they could still find some other form of exercise. With a life full of accomplishments, George Freeman’s story of resilience and strength is an example for all.
His move to Michigan in 2019 to be closer to family and participate in sports, including running, golf, bowling, and the Senior Olympics, proves his commitment to keeping active. Freeman’s positive attitude and ability to develop meaningful relationships with those around him make Fox Run Senior Living a place where people can find peace and joy.
Freeman attributes his longevity to his strong faith in God, which has gotten him through some hard times. He also emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and suggests that those who haven’t developed good fitness habits get a nutritionist first and then start walking at their own pace.
Freeman’s hard work and dedication to fitness have paid off, as he has lost 18 pounds in less than three months by cutting sugar out of his diet and walking a mile and a half a day. Freeman’s outstanding commitment to health and wellness was recognized when he was named one of 25 Humana Game Changers this year. Julie Mascari from Humana commended him: “What an incredible achievement! We are so proud to have Freeman as one of our Game Changers; his career as a physical education teacher and sports coach and his fitness journey makes him a great role model for any aspiring athlete.”
His daughter, Flanagan, added that his commitment to fitness had inspired many people: “When he was teaching, my father’s passion for physical activity and health had a lasting impression on his students. When people see him out running, many will hug him to recognize his dedication.” Freeman is incredibly proud of his accomplishment of taking a small track team of six boys to a team of fifty in nine years and implementing a successful girls’ program at the school.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Freeman humbly insists that they are ordinary. Flanagan quickly corrected him: “Dad, it’s extraordinary!”
She credits his consistency as the secret to his success. “He doesn’t preach; he looks fit and is aging well,” Flanagan proudly says. “Everybody wants to age like him. He moves daily, and that’s how he got to where he is now – placing fourth in the nation in the 90-94 age group in the 400-meter dash at the National Senior Games.”
George Freeman’s extraordinary determination and stellar athletic career are inspirational. His resilience to thrive despite adversity has been celebrated, recognized, and cherished. The 91-year-old ex-physical education instructor stands as a beacon for all ages – defying history. He exemplifies that anybody can achieve their dreams through hard work and perseverance. George Freeman will remain an irreplaceable symbol for generations, inspiring a more determined, resilient future on our planet.
