I love this story for all kinds of reasons, including the fact that I hung up my water polo cap at age 41 when I competed at the international Gay Games on the San Francisco water polo team (as the oldest player, I might add). Water polo is a brutal sport, so my new hero, Mark Braly, is an impressive dude.

Mark learned the sport at 76 and joined a team predominantly comprised of those in their 20s and 30s. He’s old enough to be the grandparent of most of his team members. He loves the connection he feels with his teammates, who also love him.

Here’s Ruben’s take on his father-in-law:

“He has modeled the MEA wisdom of “saging” over “aging,” of “rewiring” over “retiring,” and excelling at his art of living, regardless of his chronological age. When he was in his mid 60’s, he joined me and others in several epic bike rides, camping along the coast, from the Oregon border to Marin County, seeping in the joy and invigoration of the journey. All of our conversations, still going on today, are filled with a growth mindset (another MEA gem). As I prepare to take my first step onto the John Muir Trail (JMT) with my son Max, planning to hike 240 miles, 50,000+ ft elevation gain over 17 days – as a pre-60-year-old bucket list, Mark will serve as an inspiration for this challenge.”