At almost forty years old, they are still part of the elite of world sport. But what still keeps LeBron James, Fernando Alonso, Novak Djokovic or Mélina Robert-Michon moving forward at an age when many top athletes have already retired?
The American LeBron James will celebrate his fortieth birthday on Monday December 30 and remains at a stratospheric level with the Lakers. “ LeBron James, he is extraordinary. He’s still dominant because he was ultra-dominant », Explains to AFP Adrien Sedeaud, researcher in sports sciences at Insep.
As with the average person, the physical performance curve of high-level athletes progresses to a peak and then goes back down depending on age. But the shape of this curve is not the same depending on the disciplines.
« At 25 years ago, they were monstrous »
For those who stay on top after their thirties, “ if we trace their individual curve, at 25 years old, they were monstrous », underlines the researcher. A bit like gym superstar Simone Biles, who challenged space again this summer at the Paris Olympics by winning three gold medals at the age of 27. A hell of a performance in a discipline where people in their twenties often reign. “ She has such an exceptional level that she can continue », Estimates the Insep specialist.
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