Growing old does not mean growing sedentary for these ladies

KUSA - If you saw them at the store you would think they were your typical grandmas, but if you saw them on the basketball court, you would witness some serious, aggressive athletes throwing elbows and sinking 3-pointers.

On Tuesday, three members of the Senior Olympics team, the Celadrin Tigerettes, joined Susie Wargin in the backyard and show off their most recent Gold medals and basketball skills. In June 2007, Loretta Hill, Niki Leader and Mary Benson won their 3rd gold medal in the Senior Olympics along with 3 other teammates.

The ladies are all between 60-70 years old, but you'd never guess it. United by their love of basketball, these senior athletes still have the get up and go to get out and play well beyond retirement. The Tigerettes earned Senior Olympics gold in 1999, in Orlando, Florida and again in 2003, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Tigerettes travel the country competing in various tournaments. Since the early 1990s, these amazing women have accumulated five Olympic gold medals, and more than 54 state and regional medals. The Celadrin Tigerettes have compiled a Michael Jordanesque record of 149 wins against a mere three losses while barnstorming the country to compete against other mature cagers. Along the way, they have become role models – not only for their peers, but for younger people who find inspiration in their prowess.

Their games consist of two, 12-minute halves of three-on-three half-court competitions played at each tournament. With just six on the squad, that's a lot of playing time, so they also practice three times a week to stay in top shape. Their sessions include stretching, weight training, and pick-up games with the young men at the gym.

To find out more about the Tigerettes, visit the link to the left of this article.