Elderly Man Remains a Dedicated Stair Climbing Competitor: "The competition provides me with a purpose, which is why I continue to push myself"
In the realm of competitive stair climbing, a sport that has seen a surge in popularity among various age groups, one individual stands out: Tom Kutrosky, a 90-year-old resident of Ventura, California.
This exhilarating sport, also known as tower running or stair racing, involves racing up the stairs of high-rise buildings. With roots dating back to the 1970s, events like the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York City, which began in 1978, have been instrumental in its growth. Today, the sport boasts international competitions such as the World Tower Running Championship.
Competitive stair climbing, while not age-restricted, presents a unique challenge for seniors. The sport demands endurance, strength, and mental fortitude, making it an attractive proposition for older adults seeking new physical and mental challenges. However, safety concerns, particularly the risk of falls among the elderly, have been raised in studies on home stair safety.
Tom Kutrosky, a semi-retired optometrist, is a shining example of this sport's appeal for older adults. He has been participating in stair-climbing races for over 15 years, both locally and internationally. His upcoming challenges include the Empire State Building climb in October 2025.
Kutrosky's involvement in these events is more than just a testament to his physical fitness; it's a reflection of his determination to challenge himself and support charitable causes. He has participated in numerous events, including the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel stair climb and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb benefiting the Ventura Fire Department.
Kutrosky's dedication to staying active and engaged underscores the potential benefits of competitive stair climbing for older adults, including improved physical health and mental well-being. His story highlights the transformative power of physical activity, even in the later years of life.
Candice Kutrosky, Tom's daughter, is also a dedicated athlete. She is a wildland firefighter for the state of New Mexico and trains extensively, including three to five hours a day and an hour of stretching every morning. Candice credits her father with passing down good genes and being a good role model in more ways than just fitness.
Tom Kutrosky's story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that age is no barrier to leading an active and engaged life. His longevity can be attributed to preventive health and a lifelong focus on staying active. His children, David and Candice, follow in his footsteps, maintaining an active lifestyle themselves.
As Tom Kutrosky continues to climb the stairs of life, his legacy as a pioneer in competitive stair climbing for older adults grows stronger. His story encourages us all to embrace challenges, stay active, and never stop pushing ourselves to new heights.
- Tom Kutrosky's participation in competitive stair climbing, a sport that originated in the 1970s and has international competitions like the World Tower Running Championship, underscores its popularity and growth.
- Bolstered by events such as the Empire State Building Run-Up, competitive stair climbing, known for its demanding endurance and strength requirements, is increasingly becoming an appealing physical and mental challenge for older adults.
- The health benefits of competitive stair climbing for seniors are multifaceted, encompassing not just physical improvements but also mental well-being, as evidenced by Tom Kutrosky's story.
- An advocate for charitable causes, Tom Kutrosky's involvement in various events beyond just stair climbing race demonstrates his commitment to engaging in activities that make a difference.
- In the realm of fitness and exercise, Tom Kutrosky's determination to stay active at 90, along with his daughter Candice's athletic pursuits as a wildland firefighter, highlights the transformative and communal power of active lifestyles.
- Living in California and hailing from Hollywood, the city synonymous with entertainment, Tom Kutrosky's story serves as a testament that health, wellness, and an active lifestyle are key elements of a fulfilling and engaging lifestyle, transcending age boundaries.
