July 08, 2008
Dara Torres is a media darling this week. People are surprised that she is still an Olympic contender because the theory stands that your body deteriorates as you age. This is true, most especially for sedentary people. But if you continue to maintain top fitness (aka 'use it or lose it') then your physical condition will remain optimal for many years. Nobody in the media is even mentioning Jeanne Longo, one of the best female cyclists of all time, who is competing in the Beijing Olympics at the age of 49. Part of the success of these women can be attributed to genetics, but building upon years and years of fitness also plays a large part. And swimming and cycling are kind to the joints, so athletes can remain competitive for decades in these sports.
It's hard for me to say from personal experience if aging makes a difference on upper level fitness. In my twenties I was either lazy (see: college) or unfocused (see: ultimate frisbee), and am just now seeing the benefit from three years of training on a bike. I am more fit now than I've ever been before. And also a bit obsessive about remaining that way, because I don't want to lose what I've worked so hard to earn.
Posted by megabeth at July 8, 2008 03:30 PM
I've heard some accusations of doping being cast about Ms. Torres and it kind of ticks me off. They're all of the "she's 41 and had a baby and had two surgeries so it must be steroids" kind. Until there's some scintilla of evidence, I think those people should have a big old cup of STFU.
I hope she cleans up at the Games. She's a fantastic athlete and just amazingly gorgeous.
As I'm sure the cycliste MegaBeth will be at the same age lo those many years in the future.
Posted by: BlogDog at July 8, 2008 10:30 PM
There are a lot of myths abut physical deterioration as a result of aging. Jeanne Longo and Dara Torres work to correct the record (as does Gordie Howe who played in the NHL until age 51 and others). Physical changes are inevitable, but they should not all be cast in terms of decline. My guess is that you will always be athletic and highly competitive within your cohort. For my part, I have been transformed into a long distance runner where, in my younger years, I simply didn't have the stamina or the patience.
Posted by: chris robinson at July 9, 2008 09:31 AM
This does fascinate me,being such a late bloomer athletically. I am also interested to see how maintaining fitness through the golden years will affect my long term health. My family tends to be long lived but none have been athletes or particularly fit.
Posted by: A at July 9, 2008 10:07 AM
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