20 Jul 09
2 edits
Originally posted by trev33let's put this into perspective -- someone who was 59 yrs old made it to a playoff before losing a major golf title.
all very sad indeed.
This might be the greatest "geriatric feat" in sports history. Has there been any other cases where someone this old has excelled this highly in any major (or minor) sport? Imagine a 59-yr old finishing 2nd in the New York Marathon -- or a 59-yr old losing in the finals of a major tennis event -- or a 59-yr old merely being a significant member of a team in any professional sport - or a 59-yr old fighting in a heavyweight title bout and losing by the closest of margins.
actually....George Foreman is currently 60 -- maybe its time to dust off the gloves, down a couple of cheesburgers and make another go at it 😀
21 Jul 09
Originally posted by MelanerpesYou have successful 50 + yr old NASCAR drivers.
let's put this into perspective -- someone who was 59 yrs old made it to a playoff before losing a major golf title.
This might be the greatest "geriatric feat" in sports history. Has there been any other cases where someone this old has excelled this highly in any major (or minor) sport? Imagine a 59-yr old finishing 2nd in the New York Marathon -- o ...[text shortened]... e its time to dust off the gloves, down a couple of cheesburgers and make another go at it 😀
In bowling you have 50ish rollers who compete quite well.
Al Oerter tossed his personal best shotput at the age of 43 and finished 4th in the USA qualifying at 44.
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21 Jul 09
Originally posted by Red Nightone of? for sure, best ever? possibly.
had Watson won it would have gone down as one of the greatest feats in the history of sport.
It was sad watching him make that bogie on 18.
18th really was key...westwood, wood and watson bogeying while cink making birdie. could never see watson holding it together in the played off, shame though.
you have to question his decision to putt at the 18th though.
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21 Jul 09
Originally posted by badmoonhardly the same is it?
You have successful 50 + yr old NASCAR drivers.
In bowling you have 50ish rollers who compete quite well.
Al Oerter tossed his personal best shotput at the age of 43 and finished 4th in the USA qualifying at 44.
nascar you sit on your ass and drive, anyone would do that.
plus a 44 yo shot-putter isn't that old considering they usually peak in their 30s plus 4th in the us qualitation isn't all that great in world terms.
watson nearly beat all of the worlds best golfers at the age of 59 at one of the biggest tournaments there is. that's pretty special.
21 Jul 09
1 edit
Originally posted by badmoonI would also throw in Dara Torres at 41 winning a silver medal in the 50m freestyle -- in an event that emphasizes reflexes and rapid acceleration, which are already in decline when you're in your early 20s
You have successful 50 + yr old NASCAR drivers.
In bowling you have 50ish rollers who compete quite well.
Al Oerter tossed his personal best shotput at the age of 43 and finished 4th in the USA qualifying at 44.
but Watson's feat beats this
59 is a long way from 50
consider the difference in any sport between 30 and 39 -- huge -- and the aging process speeds up as you get older.
21 Jul 09
Originally posted by Melanerpeslike also to add martina navratolove winning the doubles at wimbalton at the age of 46 a few years back and also marline Ottey making the finals of the woemens 100m in the athletic world championships a few years back as well when she was 40
I would also throw in Dara Torres at 41 winning a silver medal in the 50m freestyle -- in an event that emphasizes reflexes and rapid acceleration, which are already in decline when you're in your early 20s
but Watson's feat beats this
59 is a long way from 50
consider the difference in any sport between 30 and 39 -- huge -- and the aging process speeds up as you get older.
23 Jul 09
Originally posted by spurs73Don't forget Lester Piggot who was still winning horseraces at 79.
like also to add martina navratolove winning the doubles at wimbalton at the age of 46 a few years back and also marline Ottey making the finals of the woemens 100m in the athletic world championships a few years back as well when she was 40
[approx]