Meet the competitors pushing their bodies beyond what is considered their “prime"and winning.
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On a Saturday in late June, 39-year-oldKeira DAmatostepped onto the rust-colored track at Oregons Hayward Field.
DAmato ran 25 laps at just over a five-minute pace.
Its not the norm for women my age to be competing at this level.
Im sharper, more confident, competitive, capable, and disciplined [than Ive ever been].
DAmato is part of a growing number of athletes who are aging up.
Afterward, shetold reporters, Im just hoping to show people you’re able to do more.
At 40, Des Linden2018 Boston Marathon Championisnt hanging up her kicks anytime soon, either.
Lindens competed in the race for the past four years, and has no plans on stopping.
The mindset that 40 is a masters athlete and signifies retirement, were seeing a shift, Linden says.
That athletes are challenging whats considered old can, in part, be attributed to whats happening culturally.
But also, women are choosing to compete for longer because theycan.
It also helps that women are better supported.
Krieger was in some of the best shape of her life in 2019, Scott says.
And then up until she retired, she was playing every single game for Gotham.
Much of this is possible because of the money thats being funneled into womens sports, too.
We’re able to now really put ourselves first and prioritize our health, both mentally and physically.
Of course, staying in the game is bigger than dollars and physical ability.
But I know every blessing is not meant to last a lifetime.
The next thing can be super intimidating for many.
Ending an athletic career is a lot like putting your dog down, Linden says.
Its this weird thing, and I always think of it that way.
My goals are very different now, Linden says.
But, at the same time…its fun to disrupt some people that I shouldnt be beating.
DAmato, who will be 40 in October, agrees.
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