The question popped up this morning when Ian Thorpe hinted he may have a crack at selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Forget it Ian, you will be 33, and remember the hell it was trying to qualify for the 2012 London Games as just a shadow of your former great self?
Having said that, there have been many sportsmen of note who have fired at the top level over the years, despite being rated “too old”.
Bernard Hopkins jumps out immediately.
At 48, he’s become the oldest world boxing champion in history, claiming the IBF light heavy title by beating Tavoris Cloud, 17 years his junior.
Julius Boros was 48 when he won the 1968 USPGA title.
Jack Nicklaus was 46 when he won the last of his 18 majors – the 1986 Masters.
George Foreman is the oldest world heavyweight champ at 45, regaining the crown 21 years after he was beaten by Mohammad Ali.
Hale Irwin was 45 when he won the 1990 US Open.
Lee Trevino 44 when he won the 1984 USPGA.
Phil Mickelson is 43, having just won his first British Open at his 20th attempt.
Don Bradman was 40 during the 1948 Invincibles tour, when he churned out 2,428 runs at 89.92 with 11 centuries. He was 39 when he scored his 100th first-class ton.
Ken Rosewall was 40 when he played in his fourth Wimbledon final, 38 when he won his fourth Australian title, 36 in winning his second US championship, and 34 when he won his second French crown.
None of those great names in world sport reckoned age was a problem.
But it all boils down to the individual who knows when his body and mind has had enough.
So take heed Ian Thorpe, Rio is a long way away, and the clock is ticking.
Why torture yourself? Live gracefully in swimming retirement. We all want to remember you as the superfish of world swimming, and forget your aborted London attempt.
Two forgets will only destroy the image.
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