​A little arm twisting paid off handsomely for several local senior bowlers, as Mandy Wilson enlisted her friends Ann Coleman and Dana Bone to join the recent Ohio Senior Olympics. The three bowlers from the Dayton area not only competed, they excelled, earning gold medals and securing places at the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “I knew some people who had competed in this before, but I never had,” said Wilson, 67. “I saw flyers at local bowling centers and basically talked my two friends into giving it a shot.”
The Ohio Senior Olympics feature a wide range of events, including archery, basketball, cycling, swimming, volleyball, and bowling. The program is designed to promote camaraderie, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among athletes aged 50 and older. Wilson began the bowling competition at H.P. Lanes in Columbus, capturing the gold in the women’s 65-69 singles division. The singles competition for both men and women is divided into eight age brackets, spanning from 50-54 to 90-94. Wilson noted that even a couple in their 90s were competing, and she joked about hoping to keep bowling until she reaches 90 herself.
Coleman, at 56, earned a silver medal in the women’s 55-59 singles division, also earning a spot at the national games. “It helps to come out of Dayton because of the caliber of bowlers we’re used to seeing,” Coleman said. “You know you have to bowl your best.” The second day brought doubles play, where Wilson and Coleman captured the gold in the women’s 55-59 division. “Our goal is always to win, but we didn’t know much about this tournament, so we wanted at least to medal,” Coleman explained. With two golds already in hand, Wilson secured a third gold in the mixed doubles event, partnering with Bone in the 60-64 division.
“I am incredibly fortunate to not only earn the gold medal for my age group but also win the gold in mixed doubles with my great friend Mandy,” Bone said. “We’ve bowled many events and done well, but winning a gold medal with her made the result even more special.” It was, however, a bit surprising. “I did not expect to win all three events,” Wilson admitted. “I think Tulsa will be a much tougher challenge.” Coleman added a third medal to her collection with a silver in mixed doubles alongside partner Norm Dendler. All medalists earned qualification for the National Senior Games.
Coleman described the Ohio Senior Olympics as feeling like a true Olympic event, with thousands of athletes competing across a variety of sports at a high level. “It’s kind of cool to be going,” she said. Wilson is eager to meet new people and, of course, to bring home more hardware. “If I’m going to win something, I want it to be against tough competition,” she noted. With the National Senior Games on the horizon, these three bowlers are focused on training, competition, and representing their community on a national stage.