Yes, she's only 16!
According to a study by a team of researchers at the Institute of Biomedical Research and Sports Epidemiology in France, the peak age or 'best' age of performance for athletes in track and field and swimming is 26. Essentially, it's an average value. Some Olympic events have their age peak performance later than others. For example, in the 100 meter race it's 25 years of age for men, but 26 for women. In the marathon, runners are typically over 27 years of age.
The oldest ever Olympian is Oscar Swahn of Sweden. He was 72 years, 281 days old when he won a silver medal at the 1920 Olympics in shooting. He actually won a gold medal for shooting at the 1912 Olympics, when he was 64 years old.
The oldest woman to compete in the Olympics was British rider Lorna Johnstone, who participated in Equestrian at the 1972 Olympic Games at 70 years and 5 days old.
The youngest confirmed Olympic medalist is Greek gymnast Dimitrios Loundras, who competed in the 1896 Athens Olympics. He was only 10 years old. He received a bronze medal in a team event. The youngest male medalist in an individual event was Nils Skoglund of Denmark, who finished second in high diving back in 1920 at the age of 14 yrs, 11 days.
Marjorie Gestring of the USA is the youngest to actually compete for an Olympic medal in an individual event. She won the 3-meter springboard diving event in 1936 at age 13 years, 268 days.
As you can see, many of the Olympian ages I've noted are from decades ago. Today, when it comes to the Olympic Games, the governing body of each individual sport sets its own rules regarding age. For example, gymnasts must be at least 16 years of age, or turning 16 within the calendar year of the Olympics, and the minimum age for diving is 14. While most Olympic sports do not have a stated maximum age for participation, boxers cannot compete in the Olympics after age 40.
With each Olympics over the past three decades, the average age of the American team has crept steadily upward, from 25 at the 1984 Los Angeles Games to 27 in London four years ago. Much of this longevity can be attributed to advancements in conditioning and nutrition. Also, injuries are diagnosed sooner and treated more effectively.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
