“When I’m on the court, I feel like I’m 50 again. But the next morning, when I woke up, I felt like I was 100 years old. » American King Van Nostrand, 90, is a tennis legend. He is the most successful senior player in history and one of the four heroes of the documentary Super Seniorsin theaters since October 2.
Directed by former British professional player Dan Lobb, this film follows the journey of four athletes with gray temples during the International Tennis Federation world championship, in Umag, Croatia, in 2019. All play in the category of the most 85 years old and “enjoy life to the fullest”, notes Dan Lobb. “They see life and death in slightly different ways but share resilience, strength, determination, passion and pride,” remarks the director.
The world’s oldest tennis player is a Ukrainian refugee
In the film, between two racket hits, one of them exclaims: “Tennis is life!” » This is the Ukrainian Leonid Stanislavskyi, now 100 years old. A true star, he took up tennis late in life, at age 90, after the death of his wife.
At the time, he had a dream: to meet Roger Federer. Today, the big players on the professional circuit want a photo with him. Although he has not yet won an official match, he has been crowned by Guinness World Records as the oldest active tennis player. “Since I turned 90, I have improved my forehand and backhand”he said mischievously, in front of Dan Lobb’s camera.
Over the course of filming, the two men developed a special relationship. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, I helped them get to safety, traces the director. Since then, we have written to each other almost every day. » Today, Leonid lives in a retirement home in Lithuania. “He doesn’t have much access to tennis lessons, but we take good care of him. His situation as a century-old war refugee is tragic, but he remains mentally and physically strong. » As for the other heroes of the film, “Tennis certainly contributed to him living old and in good health,” adds Dan Lobb.
The little yellow ball also allowed these followers to maintain a social connection. Many have lost their loved ones and are finding new ones on the other side of the net. “When I grow up, I want to be like you” slips a 70-year-old champion to the great King Van Nostrand. “Tennis gives them a group to socialize and find support,” subscriber Dan Lobb.
Famous French voices
In the documentary, it gives funny sequences, like when two players agree on a way to communicate during the match because they are going to remove their hearing aids and will no longer hear anything. It also gives strong and moving moments, like when former basketball player John Powless, 87, exhausted by his chemotherapy, is unable to maintain his rank as world No. 1.
“In tennis, as in life, you have to know how to overcome torments,” philosopher Etty Marouani, the French heroine of Super Seniors. The Parisian player, “chic and cool”refuses to give her age, but she has already been crowned French champion for over 80s several times.
Etty Marouani has several times been crowned French champion over 80 years old.
© (Screenshot “Super Seniors”)
The only French speaker in the documentary, she dubs herself in the French version. His three acolytes are voiced by big names in French cinema. Philippe Torreton lends his voice to John Powless, Patrick Chesnais to Leonid Stanislavskyi and Serge Riaboukine to King Van Nostrand.
In original version or in French version, Super Seniors remains, according to its director, “a love letter to tennis” which carries a message: “Growing old does not necessarily equate to being old. »
“Super Seniors” by Dan Lobb, duration 1 hour 37 minutes, in theaters since October 2.
The documentary “Super Seniors” is an inspiring and heartwarming film that follows the journey of four senior tennis players, including American King Van Nostrand, 90, and Ukrainian Leonid Stanislavskyi, 100, as they compete in the International Tennis Federation world championship in Umag, Croatia.
The film, directed by former British professional player Dan Lobb, showcases the determination, passion, and resilience of these elderly players as they defy age and health issues to continue playing the sport they love. Stanislavskyi, in particular, is a remarkable example of this, having taken up tennis at the age of 90 after losing his wife. He has since become a Guinness World Record holder for the oldest active tennis player.
Despite his advanced age, Stanislavskyi’s story is one of hope and optimism, as he continues to play tennis and inspire others with his enthusiasm and dedication. His relationship with director Dan Lobb, who helped him flee Ukraine after the Russian invasion, is particularly touching.
The documentary also highlights the social benefits of playing tennis for seniors, many of whom have lost loved ones and are finding new friends and companions through the sport. As Dan Lobb notes, “Tennis gives them a group to socialize and find support.”
Other notable players featured in the film include Etty Marouani, a French champion who refuses to reveal her age, and John Powless, 87, a former basketball player struggling to maintain his ranking while undergoing chemotherapy.
“Super Seniors” is a delightful and uplifting film that shows that age is just a number, and that with determination and passion, anything is possible. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in tennis, sports, or simply inspiring stories of human resilience.
It is interesting to look at how senior sports players like those presented in this show compare to other modern athletes or “pollsters” using AI [[3]] to determine some of the younger crowds mental stress, to older generations using real world sports and real world dedication.
The Inspiring Story of the ‘Super Seniors’ Tennis Players
As a blog news writer, I recently came across an inspiring story about a group of tennis players who prove that age is just a number. The documentary “Super Seniors” directed by former British professional player Dan Lobb, follows the journey of four athletes with gray temples as they compete in the International Tennis Federation world championship in Umag, Croatia.
The film features four remarkable individuals: King Van Nostrand, a 90-year-old American tennis legend; Leonid Stanislavskyi, a 100-year-old Ukrainian refugee and the world’s oldest active tennis player; John Powless, an 87-year-old former basketball player; and Etty Marouani, a French tennis player who refuses to reveal her age. Despite their advanced age, these “Super Seniors” are a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit.
One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the way these players see life and death in a unique perspective. As Dan Lobb notes, “They see life and death in slightly different ways but share resilience, strength, determination, passion, and pride.” This mindset is evident in the way they approach their tennis games, with a sense of purpose and passion that is inspiring to watch.
The story of Leonid Stanislavskyi, in particular, is a heartwarming one. A Ukrainian refugee who took up tennis at the age of 90 after the death of his wife, Leonid has become a star in the tennis world, despite never having won an official match. He has been crowned by Guinness World Records as the oldest active tennis player, and his journey has inspired many.
The documentary also highlights the social aspect of tennis, which has allowed these players to maintain a connection with others and find support. As Dan Lobb notes, “Tennis gives them a group to socialize and find support.” This is evident in the way the players interact with each other, both on and off the court.
A Life-Affirming Documentary
“Super Seniors” is a life-affirming documentary that celebrates the human spirit and the power of tennis to bring people together. As Dan Lobb says, “They see life and death in slightly different ways but share resilience, strength, determination, passion, and pride.” This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who loves tennis, or is simply inspired by the human spirit.
The documentary has received positive reviews, with one reviewer noting, “It’s a perky documentary that follows the irrepressible athletes as they compete for glory in their age groups’ world championships.” (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/super-seniors-new-tennis-film.772725/)
The documentary has also been featured in various news articles, including one from The Good Life, which notes, “The ‘Super Seniors’ are a remarkable group of octogenarians and nonagenarians featured in a life-affirming documentary by tennis player turned Wimbledon commentator Dan Lobb.” (https://www.thegoodlifesv.com/story/2024/09/01/entertainment/four-super-seniors-featured-in-new-british-documentary/1180.html)
Watch the Documentary
“Super Seniors” is now available to watch on Prime Video. (https://www.amazon.com/Super-Seniors-Dan-Lobb/dp/B0D2XK3G7K) I highly recommend it to anyone who loves tennis, or is simply inspired by the human spirit.
“Super Seniors” is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary that celebrates the human spirit and the power of tennis to bring people together. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves tennis, or is simply inspired by the human spirit.
