Humana Recognizes 10 Inspiring Athletes Who Are Redefining What It Means to Age
The Humana Game Changer program, launched in 2013, honors senior athletes who inspire others through their personal stories of perseverance, transformation and passion for wellness.
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This year's Games, taking place July 24–Aug. 4 in Des Moines, Iowa, mark Humana's 10th consecutive year as presenting sponsor and more than 15 years of partnership with the National Senior Games Association (NSGA). The biennial event brings together about 12,000 athletes aged 50 and up for an Olympic-style celebration of lifelong fitness.
The Humana Game Changer program, launched in 2013, honors senior athletes who inspire others through their personal stories of perseverance, transformation and passion for wellness. The program has honored more than 100 senior athletes since its inception.
The 2025 class includes athletes from across the country competing in sports such as pickleball, track and field, basketball and table tennis.
'These athletes are redefining what it means to age,' said George Renaudin, Humana's President of Insurance. 'They show us that staying active – physically, mentally and socially – can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling life at any age.'
Meet the 2025 Humana Game Changers:
Madelaine 'Tiny' Cazel, 87 – Track and Field (The Villages, Florida)
A National Senior Games veteran since 2003, Tiny competes in sprints, long jump, shot put and more. She helped pioneer women's sports in her community and continues to train weekly with unmatched energy. Her motto: stay active, stay curious, and surround yourself with support.
Pamela DeLoatch, 62 – Pickleball (Apex, North Carolina)
A writer and lifelong learner, Pamela discovered pickleball by chance and now competes in leagues and tournaments. She founded 'Black Girl Magic Pickleball' to create inclusive spaces for Black women to play and connect. Pamela balances her physical training with crochet, travel and meaningful conversations that keep her mind and spirit engaged.
Dilip Desai, 83 – Table Tennis (Sugar Land, Texas)
A structural engineer turned table tennis enthusiast, Dilip began competing in his 70s and has since become a fixture at the National Senior Games. A prostate cancer survivor managing osteoarthritis, he credits his success to 'mind over matter' and lives by the principles of determination, dedication and discipline. Off the court, he stays sharp through yoga, Bollywood dancing and mentoring greater Houston's youth.
Ellen Demsky, 84 – Road Race, Track and Field, Power Walk, Triathlon (Tarzana, California)
Ellen began running at 60 and has since completed more than 50 marathons – including four Boston Marathons and races on every continent. She now teaches courses on dementia prevention and iPhone photography at UCLA, blending physical and cognitive wellness. Her passion for movement and learning continues to inspire runners of all ages.
Gail Eppley, 86 – 3-on-3 Basketball (Charlotte, North Carolina)
A lifelong basketball player and coach, Gail now competes in 3x3 basketball while staying active with swimming, pickleball and yardwork. Despite multiple joint replacements, she remains fiercely competitive and mentally sharp through puzzles and games. With 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Gail is a matriarch of movement and motivation.
Jeremiah Hollis Jr., 71 – Pickleball (Redford, Michigan)
A triple bypass survivor and Air Force veteran, Jeremiah found new purpose in pickleball after major surgeries. He's now a decorated competitor and advocate for heart health and active aging, especially within the Black community. Off the court, he's a golfer, puzzle-solver and community leader who believes in lighting the fire within others.
James 'Jim' Hutchinson, 78 – Track and Field (Louisville, Kentucky)
Inspired by a family legacy of runners, Jim has competed in track since childhood and continues to race despite past injuries. A retired entrepreneur and corporate leader, he volunteers to help community members with tax returns and keeps his mind sharp with Sudoku. After missing the 2023 Games due to injury, he's making a strong comeback in 2025.
Denise Lawson, 59 – Track and Field (Springfield, Virginia)
A lifelong runner and animal advocate, Denise returned to competitive track in her 50s after overcoming multiple injuries and a cardiac procedure. She trains alongside her retired sled dogs, whose energy and resilience inspire her every stride. Denise's story is a testament to joyful movement, second chances, and the healing power of staying active.
Joni Neidigh, 66 – Road Race (Orange Park, Florida)
A psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, Joni began running in the 1980s and returned after a long hiatus to reclaim her health and honor her late brother. She's lost 27 pounds, gained strength, and now helps others through sports hypnotherapy and public speaking. Joni challenges aging stereotypes and empowers others to find joy in movement.
John White, 74 – Triathlon (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
A former professional football hopeful turned triathlete, John has completed more than 115 triathlons and 275 road races. He's a Wisconsin Senior Olympics Hall of Famer, educator and former NSGA board member who has dedicated his life to promoting fitness and inclusion. With his wife Mary, he travels the country racing and cheering on both the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers.
To read more about the Class of 2025 and see all 114 Humana Game Changers, visit NSGA.com/HumanaGameChangers.
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
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