The 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 keep running at 40. In 2026, the boundaries are shifting: athletes are living longer, performing longer, and winning longer. We tell you how age affects results and when it's time to hang up the gloves. Peak Physical Form For most sports, the peak is between 20 and 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. Age is no barrier in tennis, golf, and auto racing. 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 look 40 at 25. Wear and tear on joints, injuries, lifestyle. Children's Sports: Early or Late Children enter sports at 4-7 years old. Gymnastics, figure skating, swimming — the earlier, the better. By 10-12 years old, abilities are already visible. But early specialization is dangerous: overtraining, injuries, burnout. Many coaches rush training, and by 18, the athlete is "burnt out". Later sports: rowing, cycling, equestrian — they come in at 12-14 years. It's late, but it's possible to catch up. Example: athlete (shot put) Anita Włodarczyk started at 18 and became an Olympic champion. For parents: don't demand victories from your child at 10 years old. Let them enjoy it. Juniors (14-18 years) This is an age of maximum risk and hope. The body is growing, hormones are raging. Athletes ... Read more