At an age when many people may believe their competitive days are behind them, Murfreesboro resident Terry Coulter is proving that some of life’s greatest achievements can come later in life.
Coulter recently won the gold medal in the one-mile power walking event at the Tennessee Senior Olympics, held June 21, finishing with a remarkable time of 10 minutes, 19 seconds. She was not only the winner of her age division (65–69) but also the first woman across the finish line among all female competitors.
The victory secured her a spot at the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she will represent Tennessee on the national stage.
For Coulter, the gold medal represents much more than athletic success. Years ago, a knee injury ended her days as a competitive runner. Rather than accepting limitations, she chose a different path. She became a certified personal trainer and dedicated herself to helping others discover the benefits of exercise, strength training and healthy aging.
“I could have viewed the knee surgery as the end of my athletic journey,” said Coulter. “Instead, it became the beginning of a new chapter.”
That chapter has included becoming Ms. Tennessee Senior America 2025, earning first runner-up at the Senior America National Pageant, volunteering throughout Middle Tennessee, and now standing atop the podium at the Tennessee Senior Olympics.
Coulter’s training for the event was intense and purposeful. Months of interval workouts, strength training sessions, and race-specific power walking workouts prepared her for race day. The result was one of the best performances of her athletic career.
But perhaps the role she treasures most isn’t athlete, trainer, or pageant titleholder—it’s grandmother.
Coulter is raising her 11-year-old granddaughter, Paislee, who has a front-row seat to her grandmother’s determination and discipline.
“I want my granddaughter to see that goals don’t have an expiration date,” Coulter said. “I hope she learns that hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself can take you places you never imagined.”
Beyond her own accomplishments, Coulter has become an advocate for active aging. Through her fitness videos and community outreach, she encourages older adults—especially women—to embrace strength training, stay active, and reject the notion that aging means becoming frail or sedentary.
She regularly shares workouts, health tips and motivational messages designed to help people remain independent and strong throughout their later years.
“People often assume aging means slowing down,” said Coulter. “I believe aging is an opportunity to keep growing, learning, and challenging yourself. We may get older, but we don’t have to stop living with purpose.”
Coulter also gives back through her involvement with the Tennessee Jewels, a volunteer performance group that entertains residents of assisted living communities, senior centers, and veterans facilities across the state. Whether she’s exercising, performing, speaking to community groups, or competing in athletic events, her goal remains the same: inspiring others to live life fully.
As she prepares for the National Senior Games next summer, Coulter hopes her story encourages people of all ages to pursue their goals and embrace new challenges.
“The medal is special,” she said. “But what matters most is showing others what’s possible. If my journey inspires even one person to get moving, take care of their health, or pursue a dream they’ve put off, then that’s the real victory.”
