Jul. 12—A bit of arm twisting paid big dividends for several local senior bowlers.

Mandy Wilson recruited friends Ann Coleman and Dana Bone to compete in the recent Ohio Senior Olympics. The trio of Dayton area bowlers did more than compete, they struck their way to gold medal finishes and qualified for the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"I knew some people who had competed in this in the past, but I never had," Wilson, 67, said. "I saw flyers at some local bowling centers and basically talked the two of them into it."

The Ohio Senior Olympics include a variety of events including archery, basketball, cycling, swimming, volleyball and bowling. The event is designed to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and healthy competition among athletes 50 and older.

Wilson opened the competition at H.P. Lanes, in Columbus, with singles play — winning the women's 65-69 age division. The singles competition, both the men's and women's, includes eight divisions from 50-54 to 90-94.

"There was a married couple in their 90s competing," Wilson said. "I hope I can keep bowling till I'm 90."

Coleman, 56, earned a singles silver medal in the 55-59 division, also qualifying for the national games.

"It really helps to come out of Dayton because of the caliber of bowlers we are used to seeing," Coleman said. "You know you have to bowl your best."

Day 2 meant doubles play and Wilson and Coleman took the gold in the women's 55-59 division.

"Our goal is always to win, but we didn't know anything about this tournament, so we wanted to at least medal," Coleman said.

Two gold medals in hand, Wilson picked up her third in the mixed doubles event with Bone in the 60-64 division.

"I am incredibly fortunate to not only be awarded the gold medal for my age group ... but also win the gold medal for the mixed doubles with my great friend Mandy," Bone said. "We have bowled many events and bowled well, but to win a gold medal with her made the results even more special."

Special, but a bit surprising.

"I did not expect to win all three events," Wilson said. "I think it will be a lot tougher in Tulsa."

Coleman also picked up a third medal at the Ohio Senior Olympics, a silver in mixed doubles with partner Norm Dendler. All the medalists qualified for the National Senior Games.

"It sounds like a true Olympic event, thousands of athletes competing in many different sports at a very high level," Coleman said. "It is kind of cool to be going."

Wilson is excited to meet some new people and, of course, try to bring home some more hardware.

"If I'm going to win something, I want it to be against tough competition," she said.