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Category: Community News Community News
Published: 26 July 2017 26 July 2017

raul turrieta rsSilver City, NM – July 19-23, Long-time resident and local athlete, Raul Turrieta, returned today from the 2017 New Mexico Senior Olympics in Albuquerque with three gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal. He received gold medals in Huachas, the 400 meter and 800 meter estimated runs, an event where an athlete estimates a time and runs as close to pace as possible. He also medaled silver in the softball throw for his 168-foot throw, second to his long-time friend and rival, Mark Jones, with a 215-foot throw. He is most proud of his 800 meter run bronze medal which came immediately after he ran the 1500 meter run. Other Grant County residents who competed in 2017 events included Gene Bates, Jimmy Head, Timothy Davis, Carney Foy, Maria Elena Galindo, Fred Grahn, Katherine Henderson, Ronald Henderson, Robert Manning, Mario Quintana, Chris Trujillo, Michele Valencia, Rachel Valencia, and Thomas Morrish. Event results will be made available at http://nmseniorolympics.org/category/records-results.

Raul is committed to continued competition stating, "Even if I have to run for the next two years, I am going to be a national qualifier." The New Mexico Senior Olympics is dedicated to provide adults 50+ with opportunities for a healthy active lifestyle. Its mission is to promote physical fitness for seniors statewide: provide year-round opportunities and motivation for adults 50+ to participate in local, state and national games. In 2019 the City of Albuquerque will be the proud host of the National Senior Olympics attracting athletes nationwide.