Age and competitiveness in international competition?

[TJT]

Curious here - what's the oldest that Laser sailors can be and remain competitive in international competition (World Champs, Olympics, etc.)?

 

[AlanD]

Late 30's looking at people like Brett Bayer. The real issue is at what point do other priorities in life become more important than International competition, when you can no longer put those off, your sailing suffers. A few of the GM's will give the young guns a run for their money at the elite level.

 

[torrid]

Not a worry with master's sailing.

 

[AlanD]

To some extent it's not whether you're still competive, but how long you can put up with the BS associated with the younger sailors.

 

[Mrs. P]

We just put up a blog post from Brett Beyer.

http://www.impropercourse.com/2012/08/brett-beyer-aus-on-olympic-success.html

I was surprised to read that just over 30 is the average age of the Olympic Laser medalist. I would have thought it was much younger.

 

[Wavedancer]

If you keep up your fitness and dedication, I see no reason why you couldn't be competitive until you die...
(on your Laser, of course)

It helps to have a trust fund or a money tree in your backyard, because you won't have time for a 'regular' job.