70-Year-Old Silver Medalist Lou Campbell Set to Compete at US Open Pickleball
What's the Score?
Lou Campbell, a 70-year-old pickleball player and a silver medalist from last year's event, is scheduled to participate in the upcoming US Open Pickleball Tournament at East Naples Community Park. He will be competing in the 70-plus men's division among a large field of players. Campbell is noted for his dedication to the sport and its addictive quality.
Hit it deeper!
Lou Campbell, at the age of 70, is preparing to compete in the highly anticipated US Open Pickleball Tournament. The event takes place at East Naples Community Park. Campbell is no stranger to success at this tournament; he previously earned a silver medal in the singles division at the US Open Pickleball Tournament last year. For the upcoming tournament, he is slated to compete in the 70-plus men's division. The US Open is a major event, inviting over 3,000 players for singles and doubles matches across various divisions.
Campbell's participation is particularly noteworthy given his age and level of commitment to the sport. He began playing pickleball three years ago. Since taking up the paddle, he has become a dedicated player, adhering to a rigorous training schedule of four hours per day, six days a week, specifically to prepare for the US Open. This intense training regimen underscores the physical demands and competitive nature of even senior divisions in professional-level pickleball.
When asked about his motivation for playing pickleball, especially at an age where physical ailments can be common even for younger players, Campbell described the sport as "addictive". He explained that the enjoyment of playing transcends skill level, stating, "When you get out here and you start playing, it does not matter how good you are, it just feels good". He also offered encouragement to other seniors who might be looking for a new activity, suggesting that if they are "70 years old and you are done with golf and whatever else, come out here and do this". The source also identifies Lou Campbell as a World War II veteran.
The article touches upon the question of whether Lou Campbell might be the oldest professional pickleball player ever. It clarifies that currently, there is no official record confirming the oldest professional player. While a YouTube video claimed a 97-year-old player named Minnie as the oldest, the source notes that her participation is not at the professional level. This distinction is important, as professional pickleball requires a level of dedication and regular training, as exemplified by Campbell, which differs from recreational play. Andre Agassi, the tennis legend, is mentioned as making his professional pickleball debut at the same US Open event at the age of 54, partnering with 18-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, but the source notes Agassi will not be the oldest professional player competing.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Lou Campbell's return to the US Open Pickleball Tournament at age 70, particularly as a previous silver medalist, is a powerful testament to the longevity and competitive appeal of pickleball. His commitment to training intensely six days a week challenges stereotypes about age limits in athletic pursuits and demonstrates that high-level play is achievable well into one's later years. Campbell's personal endorsement of the sport's "addictive" nature and its feel-good quality regardless of skill level highlights a key reason for its explosive popularity across demographics. While the question of whether he is the "oldest pro ever" remains open due to a lack of official records, his presence in a major professional-level tournament like the US Open undeniably positions him as an inspiring figure and a symbol of pickleball's accessibility and competitive depth for senior athletes.