The Oldest Athletes in Recorded History

Age isn’t just a number, it’s a way for society to categorize us. That said, being ‘old’ doesn’t automatically exclude someone from competition. Let’s face it. Sometimes it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning at almost any age. For these athletes though, excuses are for the weak.

Here are some of the most staggering record-holders for oldest players:

Overall Longest Careers/Oldest Competitors

• Henry Young (Tennis): Recently played in a Masters/Seniors tennis event at 102 years old. As a 100-year-old, Henry was disappointed with his friends for quitting sports. “What really bugs me is that so many of my friends gave up their tennis,” Henry said. “Look at me… I’ve got two new knees, a new hip, a pacemaker, hearing aids, two new noses, and I’m still playing.”

• Stanisław Kowalski (Track and Field): This inspirational character competed in Master’s Track events when he was 105 years young. While not a “professional” in the mainstream sense, he was a competitive athlete at an astonishing age. Stanislaw was running competitively at an age very few of us even make it to. He may just have tapped into the fountain of youth by telling his feet to never stop shuffling.

Sobiesław Zasada (Auto Racing – Rallying): Was still driving competitively when his friends were being sent into retirement homes. Sobiesław competed in the Safari Rally at 91 years old.

• Carmen Salvino (Bowling): Competed on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour at 86 years old.

Oldest Olympians

• Oscar Swahn (Shooting): Competed for Sweden in the 1920 Summer Olympics at 72 years old, making him the oldest Olympian ever. He also won a silver medal at that age, making him the oldest Olympic medalist.
• Lorna Johnstone (Equestrian): The oldest female Olympian, competing for Great Britain at the 1972 Olympics at 70 years old. While falling off a horse is going to hurt a lot more at that age, Lorna was clearly unafraid of such nonsense.

Major North American/Global Sports (Professional)