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.
Bondy
Guest
They're all marvelous feats the so called elderly brigade have achieved but most are Golfers or Boxers, especially Boxers/ing where its not that unusual at 36-37 yrs of age to be at your peak. I wish Ian well but swimming a 2,4, or 600 mtr free at the age of 33 against 19 and 21 yr olds ? .
Jack
Guest
Thorpe's a monster. In his 2012 comeback, he took his 200 free from a 2:32 to a 1:49.1 in 18 months. That's beyond crazy. And his prelim swim was only 1.3 seconds slower than the 1:47.79 that was needed to make the 4x200 relay. If he wants it, he has over 3 years to prepare, rather than 18 months. And he's already got a start. And in 2016 he'll be 8 years younger than Torres was in 2008, 1 year older than Popov in 2004, and 2 years older than Lezak when he went 46.06 off a relay start in 2008. He'll probably never be 1:44-low in the 200 or 3:40-flat in the 400 again, but 1:45-high and 3:43 aren't out of the question (if he decides to go 400 instead of 100). If he has the desire and puts in 3 years of elite training, he won't just be in the relay prelims in 2016; he'll be challenging for hardware in the individual events.
Wal
Roar Guru
I always think of Andrew Mehrtens quote when at 37 and playing 3 Div Rugby France he was asked if he felt he was devaluing his legacy. "Legacy is for some bloke to write in a history book, I just enjoy playing Rugby" If Thorpe wants to have a crack good luck to him, and if he is also good enough to get funding as part of the overall squad then so be it. But his name should give him a free ride either.
Griffo
Guest
I think if he's going to try it then he'd be much better off going for the event that made him great. The 400m freestyle, which he would still hold the world record for if not for an infamous world championships in Rome. Maybe he's past it but 400 is his best shot
sheek
Roar Guru
What Rabbitz said.....
Dave the Yank
Guest
Sadly we probably will. I still feel amazed at how I contributed to "The Missiles" development.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
He is welcome to try, as long as we (the taxpayers) aren't expected to fund it.
Brian
Guest
Sure he can make it just after Lleyton wins his next Slam and Kewell returns to the Premier league. Having said that if he wants to why should he be stopped.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Problem is you've named a number of sports that don't require the left of physical training that swimming does, i.e. Golf especially, but to a lesser degree being a batsman in Cricket. Heavy weight boxers are also not necessarily known for their speed (something that is well past you in your 40s). Additionally sport has moved on a lot since the 1980s - athletes are far too physical impressive now for people to keep up in their later years. That is why of all the people you've noted only one has occured in the last 20 years and that was a Golfer (see above for why that is still possible).
Leroy14
Guest
Retired too early in the first place. No making up for it now -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
WoobliesFan
Guest
Ten bucks he's got a new book coming out, or perfume launch, or undies ad Not all is what it seems
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Thorpey you're old enough which means you're old enough to know better than to rage against the dying of the light -find something better to do like helping save the planet :-)