66-Year-Old Grandfather Sets Canadian Record in South Korea

Jake Wolters spent four decades running his kitchen cabinet business and raising a family, but he never stopped thinking about throwing. At 66, the Guelph grandfather just proved those daydreams were worth holding onto.

Last week in Daegu, South Korea, Wolters claimed three medals at the World Masters Athletics Championships. He won silver in both the weight throw and throw pentathlon, plus bronze in the discus.

His weight throw of 17.20 metres shattered the Canadian record for men aged 65 to 69. He also placed fourth in hammer throw and sixth in shot put.

The achievement is even more remarkable considering Wolters didn't know masters athletics existed until 2022. After competing nationally in his early 20s, he settled into family life and took over Nu-Way Kitchens, the business his father founded in 1964.

"I always had a love and passion for throwing," Wolters said. "Every once in a while, I'd pull my stuff out and just throw a little bit because I enjoyed it."

A local news article about another masters athlete changed everything. Wolters joined a Toronto-area throwing club at age 62 and started competing at 15 events each year.

His first major comeback at the 2022 World Masters in Sweden didn't go as planned. Competing in the 60 to 64 age division, he failed to crack the top eight in any event.

Two years of steady training made all the difference. Wolters now lifts weights at his local gym, uses outdoor throwing cages at high schools, and travels to Toronto for specialized training.

Why This Inspires

Wolters manages his athletic career while running a business and being present for his seven grandchildren (two more arriving next month). His success shows that peak performance at any age comes down to smart training and patience.

"At this stage, it's about managing your body," he explained. "I have to sometimes back off because you're prone to injuries if you go too hard all the time."

The camaraderie keeps him coming back as much as the competition. The same faces appear at meets throughout the year, creating friendships across age divisions.

For anyone who misses their athletic past, Wolters has simple advice: it's never too late to return, even just for the lifestyle benefits. You don't need world championship dreams to make it worthwhile.