I've made a few threads in the past regarding the early prime of tennis players in the professional ranks. It seems in other sports such as basketball and football, which obviously requires different skill sets....you see top-notch athletes still at the top of their game in their late 20s and early 30s. Some notable examples are Steve Nash (NBA age: 32), Jerry Rice (NFL, played at a high level well into his late 30s), Michael Jordan, John Stockton, Karl Malone, etc etc.
I was looking at another sport recently track and field. And just out of curiosity, I looked at some of the top track sprinters of the past and how old they were when winning their gold medals. Michael Johnson (200m, 400m) was 29 yrs of age when he won the gold medal in both events. Donovan Bailey was also 29 when he won the gold in the 100m. In fact, it is pretty uncommon I think to find 19-21 yr olds winning gold medals in track sprints.
Obviously the skill sets in track and tennis are totally different. However, track to me is the most honest sport in judging one's physical prime. Who can argue with the fastest man in the world?
I was looking at another sport recently track and field. And just out of curiosity, I looked at some of the top track sprinters of the past and how old they were when winning their gold medals. Michael Johnson (200m, 400m) was 29 yrs of age when he won the gold medal in both events. Donovan Bailey was also 29 when he won the gold in the 100m. In fact, it is pretty uncommon I think to find 19-21 yr olds winning gold medals in track sprints.
Obviously the skill sets in track and tennis are totally different. However, track to me is the most honest sport in judging one's physical prime. Who can argue with the fastest man in the world?
