Aug 29

Written by: Iowa Games
Monday, August 29, 2011 3:10 PM 

AMES, IA – Sue Gordon of Jewell and Tim Dwight of Iowa City have been named the Iowa Games 2011 Marty McHone Athletes of the Year.  Both athletes will be honored at the 2012 Summer Iowa Games powered by the Iowa Food & Family Project Opening Ceremony as they carry the Iowa Games torch.

Sue Gordon has been competing in the sport of shooting for 30 years.  It would be hard to find someone as committed and passionate about the Iowa Games than Gordon.  She credits the Iowa Games for really keeping her and her husband intrigued in competitive shooting.  Gordon said, “I found out that it was fun – especially if you actually could hit what you aimed at.  The Iowa Games have been a good fit for us.”  Over the past 25 years, Gordon has accumulated an impressive amount of medals.  Following the 2011 competition in which she competed in trapshooting, doubles trapshooting, black power rifle and black power hand handgun, Gordon now has 75 total Iowa Games medals including 53 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Gordon continues to come back to the Iowa Games for many reasons other than just winning gold medals.  The Iowa Games is unique because it allows for all types of athletes to compete in a wide range of sports.  She acknowledges that the Games have provided her with a great opportunity to be exposed to many different events and types of shooting that would not normally be available to her.  Gordon has been able to meet people from all around Iowa who share her same love for the sport, making her appreciate shooting sports even more.  Gordon was quoted, “There are always people around who are willing to lend a hand or make suggestions on improving your skills.”

Dwight competed in 25 events over the course of three weekends, helping celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the Summer Iowa Games.  Partaking in 25 events is no easy feat, even for someone of Dwight’s caliber.  Dwight’s schedule was meticulously crafted by Iowa Sports Foundation staff months prior to the event. When introduced to the idea of competing in 25 events he jumped at the challenge.

Dwight began this amazing journey by participating in the Iowa Games 5K road race, Midnight Madness.  The next morning, Dwight was up bright and early for the triathlon, one of the more grueling events of the Summer Games.  Dwight’s schedule continued to be hectic throughout the next two weekends, competing in individual sports that included: cross country race, cycling, basketball shooting, swimming, horseshoes, table tennis, shooting, and track & field.  Being the team player he is, Dwight also competed in 3-on-3 basketball, dodgeball, flag football, sand volleyball and soccer.

In all, Tim competed in 26 events earning two gold, three silver, and seven bronze medals.  “From the triathlon, 3-on-3 basketball, horseshoes, air marksmanship, track and field to swimming; the Games have tested my endurance, skill and focus not only as an athlete, but as a sportsman as well. The 2011 Summer Iowa Games will be an event I’ll never forget.”

The Iowa Sports Foundation (ISF) is a nonprofit sports management organization that helps develop amateur sports in Iowa and promotes positive lifestyles and physical fitness through athletic events and health education initiatives. 

-30-