October 11, 2007

Winning Friendships and Medals

by stephen vincent

the Review

Although her entire shoulder was replaced just months ago, Anita Painter will still be competing in this year’s Huntsman World Senior Games, which take place in St. George, Oct. 8-20.

Painter will swim in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard breaststroke and 50-yard backstroke at the Sand Hollow Aquatics Center, Oct. 10-12.

Painter has only 20 percent of the usage in her shoulder that she used to have, but she felt compelled to compete because she wanted to be a participant rather than a spectator. Painter also believes her time in the games isn't defined by the medals she has accumulated, but rather from the friendships she has made.

“I think that really is the core of the Senior Games,” Painter said. “Of the 10,000 who participate each year, 70 percent return the next year, so great friendships are developed.”

By swimming this year, Painter will keep intact a string of 15 consecutive years of competing in the Senior Games.
In a typical year, Painter competes in 13 events, and she has done so successfully, winning medals in each year she has competed. She also spends five or six days per week training for the swimming events, but this year, the days she can swim have been cut down to two, as she recovers from the surgery.

Painter's not unfamiliar with health setbacks.

As a 5-year-old girl, she took up swimming to help her with her back problems. Later, in life, Painter developed heart disease.

“You accept what has happened and go on in spite of it,” Painter said. “That's a philosophy on life: Don't let adversity get you down.”

Painter said she has been inspired by others who have overcome adversity and done their best. This is her turn to be that kind of an example, she said, as she insists she is not participating this year for a medal but to simply do her best. She says she will be “dogpaddling” her way across the pool.

It is expected to take two years for Painter's shoulder to completely heal.

At the same time, Painter is no longer able to ride horses, an activity she used to enjoy. So instead, she coaches a young man on his horse riding, teaching him to do jumps and other equestrian events.

Painter became involved in the games shortly after moving to Dammeron Valley from Newport Beach, Calif. She and her husband, Dr. Alfred Painter, moved to Southern Utah for a quieter lifestyle. Up until last year, Alfred Painter taught as an adjunct professor at Dixie State College; previously, he had taught philosophy and world religions courses at Orange Coast College and Cal State-Fullerton until he and Anita retired to Dammeron Valley.

When they moved to Southern Utah, Anita sought out ways to become involved in the community, and that's when she discovered the Senior Games.

Painter has not only competed in the games but volunteered at them also.

Last year, she received the assignment to pick up Olympic swimmer Janet Evans in Las Vegas and drive her to St. George. This year, she will help host a Sunday talent show at 3 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Dixie Center.

Painter believes that being a part of the community is important, and she spends most afternoons attending civic affairs around St. George. She said people who are involved in the community feel connected to where they live; otherwise, they could move anywhere and “be a lump on the log.”

That involvement has connected her to the Senior Games, where she'll compete no longer just to win but to be a part of the Games she loves and to connect with the friends she holds dear.

The Huntsman World Senior Games run from October 8 to October 20. Events are held at various locations throughout the St. George area. For more information about the Huntsman World Senior Games, visit their Web site at www.seniorgames.net.