Ultimate Legend Chris O'Cleary Trades Ultimate for Disc Golf at Worlds

Chris O'Cleary, a two-time Ultimate Hall of Fame inductee, is not your average competitor at the 2023 PDGA Disc Golf World Championships. At 59 years young, she's traded her ultimate frisbee for a disc golf bag and has been making waves on the course.

When asked about her decision to play Worlds after a 30-year absence, O'Cleary explained that it was initially suggested by a friend who wanted to watch the tournament. She decided to register as a player instead of buying spectator tickets, not just to enjoy the experience but also to meet the talented throwers she's admired on YouTube.

"It's been one of the best decisions I've made," O'Cleary said with a smile. "It's been such a welcoming environment, and it's been challenging emotionally, mentally, and physically, but I've had an absolute blast."

O'Cleary's competitive ultimate career spanned 35 years, during which she set multiple distance records, including the FPO record for indoor distance, which still stands today. She also holds the outdoor distance record for over a decade.

As an ultimate player, O'Cleary learned to read and use wind to get maximum distance and loft, skills that have translated well to disc golf. However, she credits her body's natural balance from engaging in various sports throughout her life for preserving her joints and allowing her to compete at this level.

The camaraderie on the course has been a highlight of O'Cleary's experience, particularly sharing moments with fellow competitors Catrina Allen and Ella Hanson, both top-level disc golfers. "It was outstanding. It was inspirational. It was fun," she said.

O'Cleary also reflected on how much the sport has evolved since her last competitive event in 1993. She noted that more women are taking disc golf seriously, and it's become a viable career path for some athletes. The increased media coverage has brought more attention to the sport, exposing it to a broader audience.

When asked about her future plans, O'Cleary mentioned considering competing in Masters Worlds against Elaine King, with whom she has a history of competition dating back to 1988 and 1989. As for playing in the open division again, she feels that more tournament experience would have benefited her performance this year.

O'Cleary's story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to challenge themselves and try something new. At 59 years old, she's proof that age is just a number when passion and dedication drive you forward.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/return-2x-world-champion-chris-ocleary