Carson woman aiming for gold medal at Senior Olympics

At the age of 65, Carson City's Rita Plank is heading for her first-ever sporting competition.

She will attempt to win a gold medal at the Senior Olympics in Olympia, Wash., in July.

Entered in three events - discus, shotput and javelin throw - Plank has a good shot at achieving gold in the discus.

"I can throw 45 feet," Plank said of her ability. "The next closest in my age category can throw 37 feet. I have a good chance."

Rita is the widow of late Carson City Supervisor Jon Plank, who died unexpectedly of complications of pneumonia Dec. 27, 2002.

Since Jon's death, Rita has been traveling to Yuma, Ariz., and Washington visiting Jon's stepmother. While attending church in Yuma, one of Rita's friends, Ray Tibeau, talked with her about the Senior Olympics.

"He's the one who got me into this," she said. "He is my friend and coach. He won a gold and bronze medal last year in his first-ever competition."

Plank said she's been practicing about every other day in preparation for the event. She said she's very good at discus and is still learning proper technique for the shotput and javelin throw. And she's excited.

"I've never done sports before. But yes, I'm enjoying being a jockette. I bench press about 45 pounds."

All competitions for the Senior Olympics will be held July 24. Plank said each competitor gets three attempts in each event.

"I've been reading about it and how far ladies throw for my age category, which is 65-69. I stand a pretty good chance. I won't break a record; there's one lady who throws at 50 feet, but she's in a younger age group."

Originally from Germany, Rita met Jon while both were working in Elko.

Plank has her own workout equipment, does aerobics and weight training to prepare herself for the competition. She said if she wins a gold medal, she will first call her daughters, two of whom live in Carson City, the third in Las Vegas.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.