Fans of Venus Williams and Roger Federer, longtime tennis champions, are in awe of their physical prowess partly because of their advanced ages.
Williams is 37, Federer 35. At today’s Wimbledon tournament Williams and Federer are facing opponents half their age.
The two gamely shrug off questions as to when they might give their racquets a rest. As long as they enjoy playing what is deemed one of the most physically demanding of sports, why should they stop?
Unlike any other career, that of professional sports relies on youth. Strength, stamina and reflexes typically peak in one’s mid-20s.
It’s all downhill from there.
That is, it would be if they didn’t possess other skills critical to success, no matter the endeavor.
Clear back in 1960, Olympic swimmer Chris Olmstead hung up her Speedo for good. After winning four gold medals at age 16, there was no future in competitive swimming for Olmstead. At that time, no college swimming programs existed for women.
But IBM computers knew Olmstead’s competitiveness and ability to stay focused would translate well into the business world.
After she graduated from Stanford, Olmstead enjoyed a 30-year career at the computer giant, as well as a happy family life including two children.
Good traits transfer across skill sets.
SO GIVE the “old-timers” Williams and Federer their due. But remember, their success has as much to do with the effort they have been willing to invest in perfecting their game as it has to do with their serve and volley.
— Susan Lynn
