Category: Opinion

Source: ESPN

In her book, Age Is Just A Number, Dara Torres expresses the thought that one can still compete on a highly competitive level well past what most people consider an athlete to be past her prime. Depending upon the sport, prime for an athlete ranges from 25-30 years old.

However, Torres shattered that notion when she won two silver medals in the 2008 Olympics in swimming. She was 41. And there are many more athletes that are competing successfully past their prime nowadays despite many in society complaining that an athlete is “long in the tooth.”

Prime in ice hockey is around 28 years old, but Martin St. Louis retired when he was 40 years old. St. Louis’ former teammate, Dan Boyle, also retired at the age of 40. Then, there is Jaromir Jagr, 45, who is still trying to play as a free agent and has stated he wants to continue his NHL career until he’s 50.

Richard Petty continued to drive in NASCAR races until he retired at the age of 55. Brett Favre, who often teases fans with a return as quarterback in the NFL, retired for a second time from the Minnesota Vikings. Favre was 41. At 40, Peyton Manning decided to leave quarterbacking the Denver Broncos after winning Super Bowl 50.

And then there is the deceased “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe. Howe helped shape the world of ice hockey into what it is today. He is the inspiration for what is known as the Howe hat trick (Player must score a goal, assist and a get into a fight in one game). As a man who played long enough for his sons to grow up, play and win a professional championship with him, Howe is the perfect example that age is no excuse for not competing or training.

Yes, after a certain age, an athlete will need to train differently realizing the body doesn’t react in the same manner it did 10 years ago. However, the aged athlete has something younger athletes lack–a level of focus, wisdom and experience.

Many are aware of the 80 year old, Ernestine Shepard, who competes in women’s body building. But the perfect example of that happened this weekend when a 101 year old lady competed in the 100 yard dash in the U.S. Track and Field Masters. Ms. Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins ran the dash in 42.12 seconds and now is the oldest person to ever complete the feat.

Training will may require new methods, rest periods and nutrition, but an older athlete can still compete successfully with younger ones with proper care. Like Torres, said, age is just a number and Ms. Hawkins just proved it.