Age is often brought up in sports, either in terms of retirement or a scandal (Chinese Olympic gymnasts). However, this year Olympics is seeing a slew of "elderly" participants. Starting with the oldest equestrian athlete from Japan, Hiroshi Hoketsu, and ending with the Chinese (again) gymnasts being referred to as "elderly" for their sport. However, if these girls are elderly with an average age of 19.5, then what is said about Oksana Chusovitina?
Oksana has claimed to retire during the 2009 World Gymnastics Championship but is now seen representing Germany in the Olympics. After having just watch her perform on the vault, I could not believe she is 37! Okay she does look older than the fresh faced athletes around her, but even I would look old around those kids! What is amazing is that in a sport so focused on the perception that youth means flexible bodies and an ability to compete, she is proving it all wrong. She is demonstrating that the experience is potentially more valuable than the body. As long as you have some good DNA to ensure the body obeys the mind.
Often we see news of some "elderly" athlete who accomplishes a feat that isn't expected of their old body. In my search for motivation to complete just a 5K, I'll read articles of people who didn't start running marathons until they were much later in their life. All of this shows that the human mind can accomplish tasks that our body potentially shouldn't be able to, but it comes with sacrifices. As Hiroshi Hoketsu demonstrates by not seeing his wife for a year. And while dedication can be forced upon us by a parent or coach, after all we have tiger moms, the end result is possibly primarily from passion. That's why the phrase "YOLO" (You Only Live Once) can be heard on every Drake song. We really have to make sure we do something we are passionate about. It doesn't have to be how you make your money - yes we need that to live - but it can be what calms you down at the end of the day.
Beside a 37 year old gymnast and an "elderly" Chinese gymnastic team, the Mayans might have gotten it right. So why not live doing something we are passionate about?
