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WESTON, Wisconsin (WAOW) — The World Horseshoe Tournament continues this week at the Greenheck Turner Community Center in Weston. Among the nearly 900 competitors is a long-time champion, featured on ESPN for being an ageless wonder, back in 2013.
She is still going strong, standing out as a pioneer, leader, and champion.
“Ten-time world champion, 20-time Tennessee state champion, a member of three different Hall of Fames,” said Joan Elmore, horseshoe competitor from Mt. Juliet Tennessee.
Joan Elmore is pretty famous around these parts, and her impact is much more than titles and trophies.
“She was the first person to welcome me, and she’s just such a light to the sport,” said Elizabeth Jordan, horseshoe competitor from Connecticut.
Joan started playing in 1996, and her ten titles is tied for the most ever. This week, she’s not only playing for her 11th title, she’s playing to inspire young girls.
“I do see a trend of younger people coming in now, younger ladies. I want to see the sport grow, I want to see it continue on, you know. Even after my time,” said Elmore.
Continuing the sport is easy when you have a role model like Joan.
“I know that everyone that knows Joan knows her as a nice woman, who will always help juniors, cadets. All of them coming to women’s feeling comfortable and welcomed,” said Jordan.
She’s left the kind of impact on the sport that will always be remembered.
“I’d like to be remembered for being a nice person. Someone that, like you said, people want to talk to and socialize with. I’d like to be remembered for my record. My record stands right now as it is, and I’d like to be remembered for that,” said Elmore.
Win or lose this week, Joan has already made a ringing impact.
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