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Coco Gauff returns a shot during the Women’s 16 round match against Veronika Kudermetova on day 10 … [+] of the 2023 China Open at National Tennis Center in Beijing, China. (Photo by Yanshan Zhang/Getty Images)
As the world turns its eyes to the Paris Olympics which is underway, several athletes are redefining what it means to achieve greatness. There was a time when success was measured by age and experience, but that perspective is shifting. Although athletics often thrives on the vigor of youth, athletes like Gabby Thomas (27), Simone Biles (27), Sha’Carri Richardson (24), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (24), and Coco Gauff (20) are proving that age is not what primarily defines mastery or career trajectory.
Traditionally, career progression has been seen as a process that is linked to the wisdom that comes with age. However, the grit shown by these athletes challenge that notion. They represent the idea that mastery is earned through effort and commitment.
Take Biles, for instance. At 27, she is a modern-day gymnastics legend, not just competing but dominating the sport. Her precision, intentionality and skill are evident in every flip and twist, which show her determination.
Similarly, Gauff, at just 20 years old, has impressed fans and media alike with her skill in the highly competitive world of tennis. Gauff’s meteoric rise since she attracted worldwide attention at 15 culminated in winning the US Open title in 2023, making her the first American teenager since Serena Williams to achieve that honor. Her agility, serve and strategic play make her a powerful opponent, but it is her maturity and composure that truly set her apart because she is the face of what the new generation of athletes represent.
For Richardson, her journey to the Olympics has been defined by resilience and redemption. After a controversial suspension kept her out of the Tokyo Olympics, Richardson has returned stronger and faster and at 24, she is positioned to make a big impact in the Olympic games. For Richardson, the Olympics is not just about running for medals but reclaiming her story and earning the respect of her peers in the process.
Thomas, a two-time Olympic medalist, gained international acclaim by clocking 21.61 seconds in the 200m at the U.S. Olympic Trials, the third-fastest time in history. Her bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics cemented her status as one of the world’s top sprinters. Like Thomas, 24-year-old 400-meter world record-setting sprinter McLaughlin-Levrone has taken the track and field world by storm and broken multiple world records, making her one of the most successful athletes in her discipline.
The accomplishments of these athletes challenge the belief that greatness is confined to a specific age. While there is wisdom that can come from age and vigor from youth, these young athletes are proving that success is not an idea that is confined to age, but one that is achieved by a relentless work ethic.
In the corporate world, an upward career trajectory often comes with the seasoned experience of an employee’s tenure, but in the end, the core of excellence lies in intentionality and practice. While ageism is still a factor that plays a role in the perception of what career success looks like, these athletes, through their platforms and achievements, are actively challenging and reshaping those views.
As the world prepares to watch these athletes in Paris, it continues to be a reminder that success is not bound by age but driven by passion, consistency and hard work. They are redefining the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring a new generation to pursue greatness, regardless of age.
Sughnen Yongo Following Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions
