Jacqueline, 62
Passionate. Intimidating. Funny
“So how am I feeling at at this point in my life? Like I have so many adventures ahead.”
✨Twinsight: We loved Jacqueline’s story for her drive and goals; it’s clear there is no stopping her. We were inspired about her desire to use her voice to speak out and in her words “help make things better for the next generation”. We all can learn from each other, no matter your age. We’re sure we’ll see her at the 2028 Olympics!
Hi. I'm a cool 62!! I started kickboxing lessons at 44, had my first competition at 46 and fought until I was 52, retiring as a 4-time Canadian Champion. I'm now Canada's only Level A international Kickboxing ring referee and the only black woman in the world officiating at this level for the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). My goal is to officiate at the Olympics in 2028. Add to that, I'm a Harley-riding motorcycle Mama. Woke up one morning in my 40th year and decided to buy a motorcycle. Then I signed up for lessons to learn how to ride it!! Proud to say I've now ridden on four different continents (Asia, Africa, North and South America). I'm single, never married and no children of my own which makes me the fun older sister and a goofy godmother to my god-kids. So how am I feeling at at this point in my life? Like I have so many adventures ahead. I'm preparing for retirement, which will give me more time to pursue my passions of kickboxing and motorcycling. And to continue learning. I'm currently taking Spanish lessons. Next up?? Learning to play the drums. Life has never been better. My only concern? Staying healthy so I can enjoy all these wonderful things in retirement. I'm so looking forward to it, more so than I looked forward to things earlier in life. It's all about PASSION.
How old are you and how do you feel about this age?
A: I'm 62 turning 63 in November. LOVING it. In good shape, healthy and able to speak my mind without recrimination.
Three words that describe you.
A: Passionate. Intimidating. Funny
What’s one life lesson that you wish you had known earlier?
A: Be more diligent at saving money for retirement
What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: Best is getting to like and know oneself and worst is losing friends and family to illness and death
“I'll be 68 when Kickboxing likely gets into the Olympics so I have to stay strong and healthy for that! Thankfully, there's no age restriction. I just have to be physically fit to do the job in the ring. That’s my goal.”
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
A: My athletic accomplishments (represented Canada in two different sports (Dragon Boat Racing and Kickboxing) as well as having achieved personal and professional success as a single black woman)
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Yes. I was fired from a fitness job because I "didn't fit in". The reality was, I didn't fit in with the inexperienced 20-somethings who could be paid much less. I was exactly the demographic of the patrons who could afford membership at the boutique studio. I acquired a lawyer but eventually decided life was short and karma was a bitch so I let it go into the cosmos.
What’s your message to the world?
A: Find something you love and do it with passion. Passion is what makes life worth living.
Favourite Band, artist or book?
A: I can't list one favourite anything. Life is a perpetual buffet and I'm getting as many servings as I can
What sparks your joy these days?
A: Being physically active and productive. Riding my motorcycles. Cooking, eating and drinking.
What’s next for you? What does your future-self look like?
A: Once I retire, being on the road, travelling, refereeing. I've already ridden to the East Coast, so once retired I want to ride to the west coast and then down the coast as far south as safely possible. I'll also resume acting in commercials as I'll have time for auditions. (I've already done tv, movie and commercial work.) What will I look like?? I'll be fierce!
Are there traditions in your culture related to aging that you would like to share?
A: Continuing to be age-defying. My West Indian heritage helps me to not look or act my age.
Do you feel visible?
A: I make myself visible. You can't miss me!
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: Speaking up more about systemic and corporate discrimination. I don't have to worry about negative effects to my career. I feel I need to help make things better for the next generation so that they don't have to put up with the crap that I did as a young black woman in managerial positions amongst mostly white males.
You can find out more about Jacqueline on her Instagram @jawket