By Myra Bean

Ken Ellis, 74, added eight more medals to his impressive stash at the 2019 Mississippi Senior Olympic Games held May 17-18 at the Gulfport High School stadium. He now has 492 senior games medals.

Ellis earned four gold medals in the 100-meter dash, triple jump, shot put and discus throw. He received one silver in the 50-meter dash and three bronze in the long jump, high jump and hammer throw.

He signed up for the javelin, pole vault and 200-meter dash, but did not participate in those events.

Ellis said he wants to continue participating in various meets to reach his goal of 500 medals. He does not plan to go to the World Police and Fire Games in China this year, or the National meet in Albuquerque, N.M., events he has attended in recent years.

His biggest supporter is his wife, Linda. She said she works to keep him eating right. She makes Keto desserts without sugar. Ken eats mostly vegetables and no sweets.

A training schedule for him includes:

• ● 50-meter dash – 10 or 12 sprints, two to three times per week.
• ● 100-meter dash – seven or eight sprints, two to three times per week.
• ● 200-meter dash – as many sprints as he can. He pushes himself.
• ● Shot put – when he goes to the ring, he throws 15-20 times.
• He still struggles with his right shoulder which he had operated on a few years ago. He felt twinges at the senior games which is why he did not do all of the events.
• In between training, Ken mows the yard and does other household chores.