5 Inspiring Stories That Prove It’s Never Too Late To Try

They say it’s never too late to pick up a new sport or hobby, but what about if you’re aiming for Commonwealth or Olympic success or even just at competition level and you’re well past your prime?

These incredible athletes who found their sports later in life, prove that age is only a number.

Cliff Young

Definition of a true Aussie legend, Cliff Young was known for his unexpected win of the Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983 at 61 years of age. The potato farmer rocked up in overalls and work boots determined to win. He ran at a slow pace, trailing behind the pack at the end of the first day. But while the other competitors stopped to sleep, Cliff kept on running for 5 days straight eventually winning the race.

Katrin Garfoot

Katrin won a gold medal on Tuesday in the individual time trial for road cycling after being introduced to the sport a little late into the game. Her husband suggested she give racing a crack and in October 2011 she bought a three-day racing licence and decided to try it. At 30 years old, she said that she had no idea what the future would hold.

Priscilla Welch

Priscilla had the most unlikely career in international athletics as she was known to smoke a pack a day until she began running at 35. Coached by her husband she ran a range of marathons over the years including the London and Glasgow marathons winning several and also competing in the Olympic Games in 1984.

Edith Masai

The Kenyan long distance runner didn’t start running seriously until the age of 32 where she went on to win three World Cross Country 4km gold medals. Edith said that, “I appreciate whatever I get. If I win I celebrate, if I lose, I appreciate my performance.”

Fauja Singh

This is hard to believe but says it all about determination and persistence. Fauja was a British Sikh centenarian marathon runner, who broke a number of world records in various age brackets. He retired from running in 2013 and is still alive at 107 years old.