If you followed the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games that just finished, you may have heard about Rich Ruohonen, a member of the U.S. men’s curling team who became the oldest U.S. Olympian to compete in the Winter Olympics. The 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Minnesota was initially on the team as an alternate. However, once the team was out of medal contention, his teammates decided to honor him by allowing him to step onto the ice, enabling him to achieve this remarkable distinction.
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Ruohonen’s story underscores that athletic dreams are not confined by age. He’s not alone in this realization. Let’s explore some other athletes in their 50s who have defied the odds and made their mark in Olympic competitions and professional sports.
OLYMPIANS
The Speed Skater: Claudia Pechstein
German speed skater Claudia Pechstein was close to 48 years old when she broke the record for being the oldest speed skater to win a World Cup race. Notably, she is the first female athlete from any sport to have competed in eight Olympic Winter Games, spanning from 1992 to 2022.
The Snowboarder: Claudia Riegler
Competing for Austria in the Milan Cortina Olympics, Claudia Riegler became the oldest female Olympian, participating at age 52. Competing in the high-intensity sport of snowboarding—specifically the women’s snowboarding parallel giant slalom—she demonstrated relentless spirit. Facing discouragement at 30 to retire for being “too old”, Riegler surpassed expectations, continuing her career for another 22 years. This was her fifth appearance at the Olympics.
The Gymnast: Oksana Chusovitina
Representing Uzbekistan, Oksana Chusovitina is a three-time world gold medalist, and she stands out for competing in eight Olympic Games. Now at 50, she has her sights set on the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, still showcasing incredible dedication to her sport.
Honorable Olympics Mention: Elana Meyers Taylor, the Bobsledder
Though she’s closer to 40 than 50, Elana Meyers Taylor made headlines with her historic gold medal win in the monobob event during the Milan Cortina Games. This victory marked her sixth career medal and her first gold, making her the oldest American woman (age 41) to win gold at the Winter Olympics. Her journey included a break to have children and a comeback from injuries, including a concussion. As Meyers Taylor expressed to NBC Sports, “It’s never too late…. The story doesn’t end until you say it’s over.”
PRO SPORTS
Gordie Howe; photo by Dennis MacDonald
NHL
In the NHL, a league known for its physicality, some legendary players have played well into their golden years. Gordie Howe is often regarded as a quintessential example, competing past his 52nd birthday after an impressive 26-season career. Chris Chelios played until age 48, winning the Stanley Cup three times, while Jaromir Jagr, second only in career points, left the NHL at 48 but continues to play professionally for the Kladno Knights in the Czech league at age 54.
MLB
In baseball, pitcher Satchel Paige famously returned from retirement to pitch at age 59, earning three shutout innings—a remarkable feat, though it was primarily a publicity stunt. Another notable player, relief pitcher Jack Quinn, played until 50 years old. In contemporary times, Julio Franco made history by becoming the oldest player to hit a home run at nearly 49 in 2007.
“It’s never too late…. The story doesn’t end until you say it’s over.” — Elana Meyers Taylor, gold medal bobsledder
NFL
Football, known for its harsh physical demands, has few athletes competing beyond their 40s. George Blanda was a legendary quarterback who played until he was 48, finally retiring in 1976. In recent times, Tom Brady shattered records by starting a game at age 45 in 2022, proving age is merely a number.
NBA
While the NBA typically favors younger players, several have thrived beyond 40. Kevin Willis played until he was 44, Robert Parish until 43, and both Vince Carter and Udonis Haslem continued to make waves in their early 40s.
Phil Mickelson; photo by L.E.Mormile
Golf
In the world of golf, some athletes not only continue to play into older age but remain competitive. Phil Mickelson, for example, became the oldest winner of the PGA Championship just shy of his 52nd birthday, a testament to his enduring skill and perseverance.
Tennis
While many tennis enthusiasts transition to pickleball as they age, Leslie Rose still makes her mark, serving as the oldest active tennis player with a WTA ranking at age 53. Her continued participation in doubles tournaments exemplifies that age need not dictate the end of an athletic career.