Icons Who Shatter the Norms

Some near-centenarian champions have become symbols of what’s possible. 

• Take Robert Marchand, the late French track cyclist who set the hour-record at 22.6 kilometers at age 105;
• Johanna Quaas, the German gymnast going viral for performing parallel bars and floor routines at age 99;
• Sister Madonna Buder, or better known as The Iron Nun, who completed over 340 triathlons and 45 Ironmans by her 94th birthday;
• or Hiromu Inada, the Japanese triathlete and oldest Ironman World's finisher (85) who is still competing at age 92.

Sure, these icons may have won the genetic lottery, but labelling them as nature’s outliers is too convenient. It lets the rest of us off the hook. 

What if they were instead early indicators of what’s possible? Of a rising tide of aging athletes accomplishing remarkable performances. 

Examples of relatable rebels redefining the limits of peak performance abound. Here are those inspiring us – and showing how long we can go.

Everyday Legends

Countless athletes are quietly pushing boundaries in their age-group – and leaving younger generations in their wake.

In the running world, the finish line keeps moving

• Kathrine Switzer (78), is famous for becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967. Still lacing up today, she has completed the iconic distance 41 times. 
• Jacqueline Gareau (72), Boston Marathon winner, continues to inspire as she runs into her eighth decade.
• Mike Beeman (68), better known as @bman363, completed 48 Boston Marathons with a personal best of 2h35.

But one runner takes the crown

• Jeannie Rice (76), the age-group world record holder in every distance from 1500 m to a 3h33 Marathon. A case-study of her own, she recorded a VO2 max of 47.8 (HRmax of 180bpm) – numbers that would humble most middle-age men.

Still in the driver’s seat

• Renee Brinkerhoff (66), proves that reflexes and fitness necessary to compete in motorsport doesn’t fade with age. She races her vintage Valkyrie racing Porsche on all continents, including Antarctica.

Strength doesn’t retire

• Celia Duff or Lee Holloway, both 70 and HYROX champions. Duff – a former rower, weightlifter and boxer – came to fitness racing late, proving a lifetime of exercise transfers across decades and disciplines. Also trailblazers in their own right, Sophia and Bob Warren, crowned 70+ Mixed Doubles World Champions, deliver a true masterclass in timeless grit.
• Pioneer powerlifter and Strongwoman, Jan Todd (73) held more than 60 records over her 50-year career. Still influential in the fitness world, she now leads research in strength and exercise. 

Age isn’t slowing them down. If anything, it’s powering them forward.

What Keeps Them Going

It’s not (just) genetics, nor is it biohacking. There are no secrets. These athletes are rewriting the rulebook with a set of powerful habits.

• Start early. With few exceptions, seasoned athletes were active for the better part of their lives. 
• Do the work. Prioritize consistency over intensity.
• Ergodicity - It’s about embracing sustainable results and the long-game mindset. 
• Get in tune - Know your limits, but allow room for some testing, you might be surprised.
• Stay curious - Explore, adapt and keep challenging yourself.
• Make it personal - Most longevity feats happen in individual sports, fueled by community. Choose formats where you can set goals and compete on your own terms.

Aging Forward

Globally, retirement ages rise, athletic careers stretch, and lifespan expands. 

Performance longevity – in sports and wellness – is becoming the norm. 

With more time, resources, and age-group categories in nearly every sport, there is little reason to keep labeling the second half of life as a time to slow down. 

It’s about exploring new heights.