Western media: the Olympic "uncle and aunt" who will always stay in youth

On July 19, the website of Spain's "El País" published an article entitled "The Olympic "Uncles and Aunts" who live forever in youth", written by Robert Alvarez. The full text is excerpted below:

At 5:30 a.m. on August 6, Spain's men's race walker Jesús Angel García Blagado will begin the 50-kilometer race. It will be the culmination of an athlete's career, with García Blagado at the "senior age" of 51 years and 9 months to compete in the Olympic Games for the 8th time, thus setting a record in athletics.

He is the most extreme example of an "advanced" athlete who will appear in Tokyo that is over or nearing the "age limit" of his career.

Some of the best athletes are: Silvia Navarro (handball), 42 years and 10 months; Raya Palau (basketball), 41 years and 10 months; Alejandro Valverde (cycling), 41 years and 3 months; Paul Gasol (basketball), just turned 41; Dani López Pinedo (water polo), just turned 41; Raul Entrelios (handball), 40 years and 5 months; Teresa Portela (rowing), 39 years and two months; Andaron Mayeren. Jolauter (rowing), 38 years and 4 months; Saul Claviotto (rowing), 36 years and 8 months; Javier Gomez Noah (triathlon), 38 years and 2 months; Lydia Valentine (weightlifting), 36 years and 5 months.

Experts point out that the "longevity" of this athletic career depends first and foremost on the passion of these athletes and their love of the project, not on the results themselves. They always challenge themselves and strive to achieve self-transcendence.

Susanna Regra, a former athlete, PhD in psychology and sports research expert, noted: "The Olympics have brought them high levels of social and media exposure. It also makes people suspicious of them, and people ask, 'Hey, what are these great uncles and aunts doing here?' But they know very well how far their physical condition and competitive form can go and how to face the end of their careers. ”

"Competition creates anxiety. Mental tension is bound to exist, and anyone who does not accept this is unrealistic. Pepp Fonte said he is also a psychologist who has served several elite athletes.

Pepp Fonte said: "The key element of these athletes at the level of mental motivation is a commitment to their lifestyle, which allows them to achieve and maintain a high level of competitive status. The first challenge they face is to be ready to strike at the target and achieve it on the field. Uncertainty in the face of competition is what attracts them and fascinates them. It's like some people like to watch horror movies, they like challenges and tension, and they enjoy the process. ”

Source: Reference News Network