C OV E R S T O RY / H E A LT H Y AG I N G
NERINGA JAKSTIENE: Tennessee Senior Olympics Star by Christin Yates. Photo by Philip Murphy.
AGE: 51 OCCUPATION: Housekeeper SPORT: Track and Field FAVORITE TREATS: Dark chocolate and, occasionally, ice cream. Neringa Jackstiene’s P.E. teacher encouraged her to run track in the 7th grade in her native country of Lithuania. She went on to set a record in the 100-meter hurdles that stood for 17 years. Inspired by her own P.E. teacher, she became one herself, instructing students in various sports in her home country, including basketball, track, and gymnastics. Eight years later in 1994, the record-setting athlete came to the United States to be with her husband who had immigrated to America three years prior. Once in America, Jackstiene and her husband started a family, and she began her business as a housekeeper. Without many relatives in the United States, her clients quickly became some of her closest friends who she considers part of her family. Jackstiene continued jogging when she had time and raised her two boys, who are now 20 and almost 15 years old. Twenty years later, after the passing of her husband, a friend encouraged Jackstiene to enter the Tennessee Senior Olympics. The former track star looked into participating and decided to seize the opportunity.
HEALTH+FITNESS | September 2015
Jackstiene didn’t have as much time to train as she hoped, and as she got ready for the Games, she experienced some muscle soreness and aches. However, she was able to avoid injuries and adequately prepare to compete. The state competitions began on June 19, and Jackstiene entered the long jump, triple jump, and high jump, despite wanting to save some energy for the following day. Much to her surprise, she not only won gold medals, but set records in all three categories. The next day, wanting to get out of her hotel room, she spontaneously entered the javelin throw, and after some pointers from a fellow athlete Jackstiene won another gold medal. She also won gold in the relay, 50 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters, which she also claims “isn’t her sport.” In total the 51-year-old athlete took home eight gold medals and set five new records.
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At 51, Jackstiene doesn’t just credit her active lifestyle to her overall health and wellness. She also eats what she calls “simply and healthy.” Continuously researching and reading up on healthy eating and nutrition, Jackstiene fuels her body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. She has a passion for nutrition and educating others on the importance of properly fueling their bodies, cooks at home, and only eats whole, natural foods. Staples in her kitchen include chicken, other meats, vegetables, healthy herbs, like garlic and turmeric, and real butter and cheeses. At the grocery store, she looks at the ingredients on packages and stays away from what she calls “junk.” Her monthly trips to the farmer’s market provide raw milk and other items she eats. By cooking with coconut oil, flaxseed oil, healthy salt, cayenne pepper, and avoiding sodas and juices, Jackstiene demonstrates a healthy example to her children, who now are able to cook healthy meals for themselves. Participating in the Tennessee Senior Olympics is one of the highlights of Jackstiene’s life. She enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with other inspiring athletes and seeing everyone cheer each other on and encourage one another. She’s now signed up for this year’s Games and hopes to break the record in the triple jump in the National Senior Olympics in Birmingham in 2017. Jackstiene also enjoys ballroom dancing, yoga, and figure skating to keep her moving and off the couch.
“You have to be active, be disciplined, and work toward health and fitness. You can’t just sit on the couch.”