Could You Fight This Guy Off? A 70-Year Old Did

A Utah man is recovering after surviving a mountain lion attack — with nothing but a rock in hand. 

Evan Ray Nilsen, age 70, was hiking in Spanish Fork Canyon when the big cat pounced. Nilsen fought back using a rock and his bare hands, escaping with cuts to his arms and head. 

He told reporters the attack was “a shock and a half,” but says he’s feeling alright. 

A true story of grit, quick thinking, and one tough Utahn.

Here are a few other amazing seniors:

• Grandma Moses:

  An American folk artist who didn't start painting until her late 70s, yet gained national recognition and even graced the cover of Time magazine. 

• Fauja Singh:

  At 89, he began running marathons to cope with grief and continued running, completing his last marathon at the age of 100, becoming the oldest marathon runner. 

• Lew Hollander:

  At 81, he became the oldest person to complete the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. 

• Harriette Thompson:

  She holds the record for the oldest woman to complete a marathon (at 92) and later became the oldest woman to complete a half-marathon. 
• Yuichiro Miura:

  Reached the top of Mount Everest at age 80, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to pursuing challenging goals. 

• Rosemary Smith:

  A rally race champion who became the oldest person to drive a Formula 1 car at 79. 
• Anna Pesce:

  At 85, she underwent a transformative experience to correct her hunchback posture, demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude. 

I'm not quite there yet at just 59-years old, but I am so amazed at some of these senior heroes.

I used to play basketball a few times a week with a group of seniors ranging in age from 55 to 75 and they played for the love of the game (and their wives wanted them out of the house, I suppose).

I wanted to be like them. And while I can no longer hoop it up, I'm still going hard at pickleball.

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