As of this writing, the U.S. is leading in the overall medal count. And more than a few armchair athletes are getting ideas about dusting off those running shoes, inline skates, skateboards, bikes, basketballs, badminton sets, volleyball nets, and other exercise equipment, to get into the game again. Or get their toddlers into it, thinking they can start raising an Olympian if they just push hard enough.
Well, no to the second idea. It’s about a 1 in 500,000 chance, and the amount of time, money, and pain to get there is extraordinary, exhausting, and stupidly expensive. Many Olympians don’t start their sport as toddlers, but many do start very young. So that’s a lot of time to invest, only to have a pre-teen decide they hate boxing and want to take up the tuba instead. It costs an entire family time away from other things, like vacations, nights out, summer camp, restaurant dinners, family gatherings, and the chance to turn in early or sleep late. And even getting to the pinnacle isn’t assured, no matter how much work is done. One injury or illness, one adverse drug test, a bout of mental health worries, and it’s all over.
As for getting older but still getting into the game for enjoyment, why not? If you get pumped up watching water polo but never played, find out if your local pool offers lessons. Some gyms have rock climbing walls and teach proper weightlifting. You can buy badminton and volleyball sets at any sporting goods store. As for bikes or running shoes, I would say go to a pro shop and get fitted properly, just like you would for golf gear. Martial arts, including taekwondo and judo, are offered as standalone studios or part of a gym. Surfing, sailing, and open water swimming might be harder for the landlocked athlete, but consider building a vacation around the activity. Go someplace new, try out a new sport, and have a good time eating and sightseeing, too. It’s not a competition, just a way to combine sport and pleasure.
Watching the Games gets me up and going for a workout. Now, if only I still had the knees for Rugby Sevens.
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 