Age is a funny thing when it comes to sports. Take former light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins, who is still competing at 49 years old.
Hopkins lost his fight against undefeated Russian fighter Sergey “The Crusher” Kovalev, Saturday, Nov. 8, in their light heavyweight unification title in Atlantic City, N.J.
Kovalev dropped Hopkins in the first round and from there went on to win a one-sided fight in front of a crowd of 8,545 at Boardwalk Hall, a place where Hopkins had some of his best triumphs in his career, including wins over Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik and Kauro Morat. While he didn’t win the fight, Hopkins became the first fighter to take Kovalev 12 rounds. It was also the sixth time he went up against an undefeated fighter since he turned 40 years old.
Hopkins said he is “50/50” when it comes to deciding on whether or not to retire. Although the loss to Kovalev was one-sided, it doesn’t take away anything from his legacy. The man has broken the record of being the oldest fighter to win a world title on three occasions and has beaten a murderer’s row of opponents in his 26 years in the sport.
Hopkins is not alone when it comes to athletes who competed into their 40s and 50s. George Foreman won his second heavyweight title at age 45. George Blanda competed in football until he was 48, Gordie Howe finally hung up his skates at age 52, and Satchel Paige played major league baseball until age 59. Golfer Gary Player continues to swing his club at 78.
Yet some fans and critics look at sports as a young man’s game. They see thirtysomethings like Kobe Bryant (36), David Ortiz (38) and Tom Brady (37) as “old” and say “well he’s got 1-2 years left at best.” When they see someone like Hopkins, they debate on whether or not he should have hung up the gloves years ago.
As we get older, our body seems to slow down physically or mentally. Yet there are different factors that keep these older athletes competing.
Sometimes it’s physical. If a person takes care of themselves, in and out of the locker room, while sustaining minor injuries throughout their career they can compete for years.
Some athletes use performance enhancing drugs or testosterone replacement therapy as a way to keep up with the younger competition.
For some athletes, mentality plays a role. In an interview with the Boston Globe, Dr. Michael Joyner, who studies athlete psychology at the Mayo Clinic, said, “the people who can focus and not get distracted by the fame associated with being a pro are likely to do the best over time.”
Mentality can also impact a person in a negative way. There is a lot that weighs on an older athlete’s mind. They have to stay on the same level as the younger members of the team along with their own limitations.
Sometimes it’s a necessity. Some athletes continue to chase a paycheck because they weren’t wise with their money during their careers. Others continue to chase the glory they once had. They need one more winning season or championship before they ride off into the sunset.
Some critics argue teams and promoters are taking a risk by investing in older athletes rather than focusing more resources on recruiting and building younger talent. Teams also hire sports psychologists and medical experts to learn how long their star player has on the field, yet the body can break down for unknown reasons.
Although older athletes may take some of the playing time away from younger players, they can be mentors to their younger teammates — or at least set an example of how younger players can have longevity in their careers.
I like to think that passion also plays a role in motivating these older athletes to continue competing. Despite the physical and mental hardships on and off the field, their passion for their sport and/or the fans keeps them coming back for more.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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