ST. CLOUD, FL, October 13, 2012 —Today was no ordinary track meet at the State Games Qualifier at St. Cloud High School in St. Cloud, Florida. Flying down the track with a roaring crowd, the oldest female racer, Cherie Oney made her memorable mark winning the 100m dash for the 80-84 age group and advancing to the Florida Senior Games Championship in December 2012. This is so special because this is Cherie’s FIRST track race in her life and she decided to give track a shot one month ago after completing her season in AKC Dog Shows. Cherie says, “Age is just a number — follow your dreams!”
Cherie at 81 Competing in First Track Race, Winning, and Qualifying for Championship!
One year ago, Cherie could have thrown in the towel due to health problems and pain, which kept her from walking let alone running. The pain almost kept her from her life long passion – competing in Dog Shows until she met Alicia in October 2011 where she found relief, rejuvenation, recovery, and the ability to win through Alicia’s Wellness Program. Cherie says, “Motion is Lotion.” Cherie’s keys to success are weekly workouts followed by massage therapy with Alicia Weber.
In no time, Cherie was back on her feet and ready to go. Two weeks after first working in Alicia’s Wellness Program, Cherie and her Saluki Angel were back in the ring and won “Best Breed Award” at a 4 day Dog Show back in October 2011.
The successes kept escalating as her pain dwindled away.
On December 16, 2011, Cherie and her Saluki Angel earned the AKC Championship, which allows them to compete in the Special with other Championship dogs. In February 2012, Cherie and Angel competed in their first Special with other Champions where Angel won “Best of Opposite Sex” award. Cherie and Angel continued to compete in the highest level of competition and on May 13, 2012, Cherie Oney with her dog Angel set the official world record where Cherie became Oldest Person to Exhibit Their Dog at an American Kennel Club Dog Show (where you have to run with your dog) at the age of 81.
Cherie’s strength and endurance sprouted and she participated in the 2012 Recordsetter World Record Physical Fitness Day held on April 28, 2012, in Clermont, Florida, where she set a leg strength world record. A month later she broke her own world record.
Cherie exclaimed, “When you reach my age you want to celebrate! Picking up a new sport – running track is how I celebrate! Challenges rule and I am in my 2nd childhood and loving it!”
Watch Cherie Win her First Ever Track Race Followed by an Interview — Three Minutes of Motivation!!
Alicia commented, “Cherie has the positive mindset and spirit all seniors should embrace. She shows there are no excuses to not do things because of age. She inspires many people young and old alike!”
In a matter of one month of track training and another month of strength conditioning, Cherie dropped 8 seconds off her 100m time and clocked a personal best of 38.28 seconds in her first ever track race.
Alicia said, “She executed the race perfectly and exceeded the goal. Cherie demonstrates that following an effective wellness program can do wonders for your overall health and athletic performance.”
Cherie is hooked on track and continues her training under Alicia Weber.
Cherie said, “I have the goal of improving and getting faster and I’m willing to get my butt moving even though at times it is truly tough! I am a firm believer in setting and working toward goals. Age is just a number—follow YOUR dreams.”
Stay Tuned to “Keep Track” of Cherie…
Alicia Weber offers online fitness and nutrition programs as well as on-site programs in Central Florida. Alicia can be reached at Awinningway@gmail.com