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84-Year-Old Defies Age, Flies Trapeze in Escondido

She flies through the air with the greatest of ease, even after eight decades on Earth

The fountain of youth may be hiding just above a property off the beaten path in North San Diego County, at least for one San Diego woman.

Betty Goedhart may be 84 years old, but she comes out to Escondido four times a week to fly. Flying being short for flying trapeze.

It's something she wanted to try as a kid, but never got around to.

So, six years ago, at 78-years-old, she made her first trip to Trapeze High outside Escondido. The owner, Dave Ayers, said he gets about 20 to 70 fliers a week, but none compare to Betty.

"She does have the best attitude of anyone who comes out here to fly," Ayers said.

Goedhart hardly looks 84, and she said she feels the same as she did 20 years ago.

"I don't believe it, but when I write it down, I see it," she said.

It could be good genes, she said, or the fact that she has always been active. For the better part of her life, she was a professional ice skater. 

"I don't know if it's a secret, but it's what I say," Goedhart said. "Keep active."

She has spent her golden years skydiving, rock climbing and now flying trapeze. Goedhart has a pretty quick response for anyone who tells her she should not be swinging upside down from a bar 30 feet in the air.

"I think they're wrong and I just hope that maybe I could change some people's mind about that," she said. "And maybe someone will look at this and say, if she can do it, so can I."

Dave Ayers said it's already working.

"All of the people who come here that meet Betty, when they leave they say,' I want to be like Betty,'" he said. "I understand, we don't all have the genetics that she was blessed with and the energy she has at 84. The part that we can emulate is her good attitude."

In the meantime, she continues to show up four times a week, with the energy of a kid and perspective of an 84-year-old.

"I say to myself, I know I can't do this forever," Goedhart said. "So, I really better enjoy it today. And that's kind of how I live my life. I really have come to enjoy every day."

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