He’s 93, and Bill Guilfoil is about to compete in the U.S. Olympic trials for table tennis

Four years ago, Bill Guilfoil competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials for table tennis.

At age 89.

He didn’t qualify for the team the United States sent to London in 2012, but next week, Guilfoil will return to the Olympic trials in hopes of joining the U.S. roster for Rio.

“I’m jumping into the fire,” Guilfoil, 93, said. “I’ve never had any fear of playing anyone.”

And why should he? The resident of Fairway enjoys table tennis as a way to stay in shape and meet new people. He’s also pretty good at it. He started playing 80 years ago — eighty! — and continues to run the table tennis program at Overland Park Racquet Club, where he also teaches tennis.

“It’s fun,” Guilfoil said of his affection for table tennis. “It’s quick. Every part of your body is moving and it’s really great.”

This year’s trials will take place in Greensboro, N.C., Feb. 4-6.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 10:11 AM with the headline "He’s 93, and Bill Guilfoil is about to compete in the U.S. Olympic trials for table tennis."