Harold Maness: The 98-Year-Old Pickleball Legend
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At 98 years old, Harold Maness of Webster Groves, Missouri, stands as a profound inspiration, embodying an energetic lifestyle that defies conventional notions of aging. A World War II veteran and a passionate pickleball enthusiast, Maness cultivated a rich life centred around his family, various sports, and extensive travel. Even a significant injury sustained during a pickleball game, which ultimately ended his competitive play, has not diminished his active spirit or his unwavering optimism. He continues to engage with the pickleball community and pursue new adventures, truly living as "The Pickleball Legend".
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Harold Maness’s journey into pickleball began relatively late in life, in 2012, when the sport first made its appearance in St. Louis. Having previously enjoyed tennis and golf, he quickly redirected his full attention to pickleball, drawn by its inherently relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Maness noted that the waiting periods between turns on the court fostered conversation and the development of new friendships, highlighting the sport's strong social component. Over the course of three to four years, his remarkable age for a player led to him being affectionately known in local circles as “The Pickleball Legend,” a title he accepted, acknowledging it was primarily due to his age rather than just his skill.
His dedication to the sport was evident in his playing habits; he would sometimes play twice a day at gyms across St. Louis, describing it as an “addictive passion”. This passion translated into competitive success, as he participated in numerous tournaments, frequently partnering with much younger players. A significant achievement came two years prior to the article's publication, when he secured two gold medals at the Franklin County Silver Games. One medal was for Men’s Doubles, where he partnered with a 79-year-old, and the other was in Mixed Doubles with an 84-year-old woman. His skill and dedication were further recognised in 2020 when he received an invitation to the prestigious U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Florida. Although the tournament was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the invitation itself served as a testament to his high level of play for his age, reinforcing his sentiment, “I was not just some fluky pickleballer. I was pretty good for my age”.
Despite an injury from a fall on the court at age 97 bringing an end to his playing days, Maness has maintained his connection to the sport and the friendships he forged. He continues to visit the gyms where he played, finding joy in “keeping up with all those friends”. Beyond pickleball, Maness has lived a full and diverse life. He was married to Shirley Maness for 65 years until her passing in 2015, and together they raised three children—Mark, Lesley, and the late Hal Maness. He is also a proud grandparent to four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His commitment to service included serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, with a year spent in Okinawa. After returning home, he pursued higher education before embarking on a career as a salesman at Western Auto and later Arthur Fulmer.
Maness's insatiable curiosity and willingness to embrace new experiences are hallmarks of his character. In his 60s, he took up upholstery, and remarkably, in his 90s, he ventured into painting, reflecting, “What the heck, let me give it a try!”. He successfully created "a couple of nice pictures" that now adorn his wall. The pandemic spurred another creative outlet: writing. He has since penned over 100 pages of personal stories, intending them for future generations. His adventurous spirit extends globally; in 2024, at 97, he embarked on a 12-day safari in Africa with his son Mark, visiting Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to witness the Great Migration. Perhaps one of his most daring feats was skydiving for the first time at age 92, inspired by former President George H.W. Bush. He recalled thinking, “I could do that!” and eventually made it happen. His return from the jump to EverTrue Laclede Groves was met with comments like, “You’re crazy! People don’t do that at 92,” which he proudly accepted as a compliment. Kristina Wille, the director of community enrichment at EverTrue Laclede Groves, aptly described him as a “Super Ager” who takes on challenges others might deem impossible at his age.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Harold Maness’s incredible life story is a compelling testament to the idea that age is indeed just a number. His commitment to pickleball, even after an injury, profoundly underscores the sport's unique ability to foster community and social connection, which he clearly valued above all. Beyond the court, his relentless pursuit of new hobbies and daring adventures, from painting to skydiving and African safaris, truly redefines what it means to age actively and optimistically. His journey serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that a fulfilling life filled with passion, learning, and connection is achievable at any age, highlighting pickleball’s role as more than just a game, but a gateway to sustained vitality and social engagement.