August Athlete of the Month: David Weaver

At 61, David Weaver might describe himself as a “wannabe athlete,” but his determination and resilience tell a much different story. With two knee replacements, past shoulder issues, and a back surgery from 1997, David’s body has certainly been through its share of challenges. Yet, his passion for staying active and living life to the fullest hasn’t waned one bit.

David’s family is his motivation, and he lights up when he talks about them. “I have a beautiful wife, two incredible daughters, two fantastic sons-in-law, and three young grandsons that I want to keep up with and be around for,” he shares. It’s clear that his drive to stay fit is deeply rooted in his desire to be present and active in the lives of his loved ones.

When it comes to staying fit, David’s approach is all about finding activities that he loves. “I walk, I play golf, I work out (if you can call it that), and play a lot of pickleball,” he says. Pickleball, in particular, has become his passion. “It’s really the only thing I can do anymore that I consider really competitive, and I love it.” His enthusiasm for the game is infectious, and it’s evident that pickleball has become more than just a way to stay fit—it’s a way to stay connected with the competitive spirit that has always driven him.

While working out indoors may not be his favorite, David knows that staying active is key to his overall well-being. “I exercise to keep my body in shape, to try to keep the weight off (since I love to eat), and most importantly, to keep up with my grandkids and be around for my family long term,” he explains. His commitment to his health is an inspiring reminder that fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about being able to enjoy life with the people you love.

David’s fitness journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but his ability to bounce back is what makes him stand out. “I’ve done a lot competitively, but I would say my proudest achievement is recovering from two knee replacements and getting back to where I’m pretty mobile on the pickleball court,” he reflects. For David, being able to compete is important, and he wasn’t about to let his surgeries keep him on the sidelines. “I didn’t want to be one of those guys that everyone felt sorry for when they saw me on the court.”

Looking ahead, David has his sights set on new goals. “Given I’ve been focusing on my lower body because of my knee replacements, I would love to be able to start building up my strength in my core and my upper body,” he says. And with the help of Dr. Courtney, he’s confident he’ll get there.

But it’s not all about fitness for David—he knows how to have fun, too. He and his wife share a love for travel, especially to the mountains. And when it comes to treats, they’re both smitten with the huckleberry bear claws from Polebridge in Glacier National Park. “We would seriously consider driving there for a third time just for those bear claws!” 

David’s advice for others is simple but powerful: “Just do something.” He knows firsthand how tough it can be to stay motivated, especially after surgery. “There were days during my recovery from knee replacement that were really hard, but what I found was that if I just did something to move the needle forward, even if it was only one thing, things got better.”

David Weaver embodies the spirit of perseverance and positivity. He’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life or what challenges you face, there’s always a way to keep moving forward—one step at a time.