Age in sports is not just a number in your passport. It's physiology, experience, psychology, and of course, competition. Some sports require youth, others maturity. Gymnasts end their careers at 20, while marathon runners run at 40. In 2026, boundaries are shifting: athletes live longer, compete longer, win longer. We tell you how age affects results and when it's time to hang up the boots. Peak physical form The peak for most sports comes between 20-30 years. At this age, the body is at its strongest, fastest, and most enduring. Reaction speed: peak at 18-22 years (for sprinters). Strength: peak at 25-30 years (for weightlifters). Endurance: peak at 25-35 years (for skiers, swimmers). Team sports (football, basketball) — 24-29 years. After 30, there is a decline. Maximum oxygen consumption decreases, muscle mass decreases, metabolism slows down. But experience compensates for much. In tennis, golf, auto racing, age is not a barrier. Roger Federer won Grand Slams at 36. Tom Brady played American football until 45. Valentino Rossi (motorcycle racing) — until 42. Important: biological age may differ from passport age. Some look 20 at 30, others 40 at 25. Wear and tear on joints, injuries, lifestyle. Child sports: early or late Child sports are entered between 4-7 years old. Gymnastics, figure skating, swimming — the earlier, the better. By 10-12 years, abilities are already visible. But early specialization is dangerous: overtraining, injuries, burnout. Many coaches rush preparation, and by 18, the athlete is "burned out". Late sports: rowing, cycling, equestrian — enter at 12-14 years old. Late, but it's possible to catch up. Example: athlete (shot put) Anita Włodarczyk started at 18, became an Olympic champion. For parents: don't demand victories from your child at 10 years old. Let them enjoy it. Junior athletes (14-18 years) This is an age of maximum risk and hope. The body is growing, hormones are raging. Athletes often get injured due to disproportions (fast gr ... Read more