How do you defy Father Time? The query canines each athlete, however a few of the best possible handle to stave off the inevitable to realize glory and that features US snowboarder Nick Baumgartner.
The Iron River, Michigan native grew to become the oldest snowboarder to win gold in Olympic historical past in Beijing when, at age 40, he teamed up with 36-year-old Lindsey Jacobellis to win the inaugural mixed-team snowboard cross occasion.
Now 44, Baumgartner is seeking to defy the chances once more and goal to defend the title. But simply how does he do it?
“At my age, I mean, if I stop, I’m gonna be in trouble, right? So it’s nonstop. I’m doing stuff every day,” he informed NCS Sports in October. “I work more durable. I assure you, nobody’soutworking me on the market as a result of that’s what I’ve to do. I’ve discovered from my errors over the years.
“Luckily, I had the longevity to put that into play and really get it and then to bring the medal home. So when you see somebody, young bucks out there, and they’re coming for you, and you’re medal.”
But simply the place does he discover the vitality and ardour to maintain going? What does he hope to realize?
“People think it’s crazy like, ‘How are you not burned out?’ But I love it. We’re gonna redefine what’s possible because, in society, everyone tells you what you can and what you can’t do: ‘I know you’re too old for this.’ Well, I’m here to prove that that’s crazy, right?”
Asked if something scares him: “No, absolutely not. I mean it used to because it was like ‘What if? Can I?’ Well now you’ve already got the medal, right? Pressure’s gone. You know what that does? Makes me dangerous, even at 44.”
Watch out, world.