Ronaldo and Hamilton thrive at age 40 in sports

Cristiano Ronaldo recently turned 40 and is still a top scorer in Saudi soccer. Lewis Hamilton also reached 40 this year and is aiming for an eighth Formula One title. Similarly, LeBron James, who is now 40, has become the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 points. These athletes represent a trend of older sports stars performing at high levels, challenging the idea that they should have retired by now. Experts say that improved diets, mental health practices, and advanced training facilities help athletes perform longer. Dr. Marc Bubbs, a Canadian nutritionist, suggests that modern nutrition plays a key role. Athletes are more mindful about their food choices, with some even hiring chefs. Hamilton, for example, follows a high-fiber, plant-based diet. Despite the age of these competitors, they are experiencing fewer injuries compared to the past. In European soccer, the number of players over 35 has increased significantly. In 2020, there were over 100 players in the top five leagues, whereas only 12 were over 35 in 1980. Tennis has seen similar patterns, with stars like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal staying competitive into their late 30s. Djokovic credits changes in his diet for improving his performance. Financial incentives also play a large role in this trend. With more money flowing into sports, athletes are motivated to maintain their performance and prolong their careers. For instance, NBA teams are investing heavily in new training facilities. The Cleveland Cavaliers plan a $3.5 billion project, and the Detroit Pistons have spent $90 million on their performance facility, reflecting a shift from the basic conditions of past decades. Players like LeBron James take significant care of their bodies, utilizing advanced recovery methods like hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Experts believe these advancements have shifted expectations around aging in sports. Steven Kotler, an author on human performance, compares these breakthroughs to historic athletic achievements, showing that older athletes can still break barriers.