Milton Kline has been a member of the Planet Fitness^® location in Columbia, Maryland, which is part of PF Growth Partners, since 2020. The 86-year-old Kline used the cardio equipment and treadmills at his local Planet Fitness to help him prepare for the 2021 Maryland Senior Olympics, where he won six gold medals and six silver medals! He also qualified for the nationals in five events: 50 meters, 200 meters, running long jump, standing long jump, and the triple jump.

“It’s a thrill and an honor just being part of this wonderful scene,” Kline said.

Kline is retired and spends time coaching his grandchildren and his friends’ children and grandchildren in activities like track and basketball, helping them with their skills if they are interested in receiving such help.

“When I was 11, my mom died, and I was an orphan raised by immigrant grandparents who could not read or write English,” he said. “Therefore, sports became my love and passion.”

Kline said he owes a lot to his first playground leader in West Baltimore. “He was legendary for he was so creative and did so much for hundreds of children,” he explained. “He created an All for Glory track meet every Thursday morning. He taught us how to run, jumping activities, relays and how to pass the baton. Under his leadership, I ran in four city championship relays.”

Pickleball and tennis are two of Kline’s favorite sports. “About 10 years ago, our Super Senior tennis team went to the nationals in Kansas and California. That was a real thrill for all of us,” Kline said. “I had taken a hiatus of 30 years from the Maryland Senior Olympics and entered again in 2019 and won 10 medals in my age group in track and field, pickleball and basketball. I got three gold in basketball and medaled in seven other events.”

Kline summed up how he feels about exercise and sports: “We do not get too old to play, but we get old when we stop playing.”