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Venus Williams, 45, becomes oldest WTA winner since 2004
Williams is the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since the 47-year-old Martina Navratilova.
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Venus Williams, at 45, has joined other athletes defying age. What’s their secret?
Playing in her first singles match in over a year, Venus Williams beat Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 on July 22. Stearns is just 23 and ranked 35th in the world.
On the same day, Rich Hill, also 45, became the oldest pitcher in Kansas City Royals history when he started against the Cubs. He allowed only one earned run in five innings after not pitching since September 2024.
Three days earlier, Manny Pacquiao, now 46, returned to the ring for his first fight in almost four years. Pacquiao fought Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC world welterweight champion, and electrified the crowd with a majority draw.
Miho Tanaka, an orthopedic surgeon and director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, believes that longevity requires “optimizing kinematics” and other support systems like recovery methodologies and wet float therapy.
These elite athletes are now more sophisticated in their training and recovery methods. William Kraemer, a researcher for sports science, notes that these athletes use advanced technologies such as the Oura ring, dry and wet float therapies, and hyperbaric chambers.
Dedication is key. After her first-round match, Venus Williams said, “You don’t know how much work goes into this – it’s 9 to 5 except you’re running all the time.”
Working smarter, not harder, also plays a role. Mike Boyle, a former strength and conditioning coach, explains that athletes are realizing that lifting heavy weights and getting extremely tired may not be the best metrics.
Nutrition plans, blood work, and supplements have become more integral to training regimens. Marie Spano, a registered dietitian who works with professional teams, notes that players expect more from their meals and supplements due to collective bargaining agreements.
The older athletes make the most of these resources. They request detailed nutrition plans, undergo blood tests, and regularly check in with their trainers.
Despite advancements, there is still skepticism about performance-enhancing drugs. William Kraemer suggests this suspicion is a form of reverse prejudice against highly fit athletes.
Eric Cressey emphasizes load management and volume control to prevent excessive stress on an athlete’s body.
In just three days, Venus Williams, Rich Hill, and Manny Pacquiao seemed to defy the effects of time. Their performances may be seen as the result of better training and recovery methods rather than rust from inactivity.
These high-level athletes show that it’s possible to extend one’s career by managing stress and taking proper care of oneself.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
Which of the following athletes did NOT participate in an event mentioned in the passage?
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