Olympic Athletes Who Started the Game Late
When we think of Olympic athletes, we often picture prodigies who have been training in their sport since early childhood. Yet, some remarkable Olympians prove that it's never too late to achieve greatness. Their stories highlight that passion, dedication, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, regardless of when you start. Here are some inspiring examples of Olympic athletes who began their journey later in life and still made it to the world’s biggest stage.
1. Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards – Ski Jumping
Michael Edwards, famously known as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, captivated the world during the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Unlike most ski jumpers, Eddie did not start his career until his early 20s. Despite significant obstacles—including poor eyesight, limited funding, and minimal professional training—Eddie’s determination allowed him to become Great Britain’s first ski jumper in the Olympics since 1928. Although he finished last, his story of resilience and enthusiasm earned him international acclaim.
3. Anthony Ervin – Swimming
Anthony Ervin’s Olympic career is remarkable for its late resurgence. Initially, Ervin began swimming competitively in high school and won gold in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympics at just 19. After a hiatus of nearly a decade, he returned to the sport in his 30s. Ervin’s comeback culminated in a stunning victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won gold in the 50-meter freestyle at 35, becoming the oldest swimmer to claim an individual Olympic gold medal.
4. Steven Bradbury – Speed Skating
Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury achieved Olympic fame with a memorable gold medal win in the 1000 meters at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Bradbury’s late start in the sport and his perseverance through numerous challenges, including a severe injury, were remarkable. His gold medal came under dramatic circumstances when all his competitors fell, allowing Bradbury to secure a victory in one of the most unforgettable finishes in Olympic history.
5. Dara Torres – Swimming
Dara Torres, a swimming icon, is celebrated for her remarkable career and longevity in the sport. Starting swimming competitively at 14, Torres made her Olympic debut in 1984 and competed in five consecutive Games. Her final appearance in 2008 at 41, where she won three silver medals, demonstrated that Olympic success can come at any age. Torres’s achievements emphasize that dedication and perseverance can defy age expectations.
6. Shakur Stevenson – Boxing
Shakur Stevenson, an American boxer, began his boxing career in his teens, which is considered late for elite boxers. He rose to prominence with his Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games, where he won a silver medal in the bantamweight division. His late start in the sport did not hinder his rapid rise to become one of boxing's top stars, and his continued success showcases the potential for late bloomers in the Olympic arena.
7. Megan Rapinoe – Soccer
Megan Rapinoe, a key player on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, began playing soccer seriously in her teenage years, later than many of her teammates. Her hard work paid off with significant achievements, including winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Rapinoe's success highlights how dedication and late starts can lead to exceptional accomplishments on the global stage.
8. Katarina Johnson-Thompson – Heptathlon
British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who began her athletic career in her late teens, has made significant strides in the sport. After transitioning from basketball to heptathlon, she became the World Champion in 2019. Her achievements, including competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, underscore that transitioning into a sport later in life can still lead to elite-level success.
These Olympic athletes demonstrate that it’s possible to reach the highest levels of competition regardless of when you start. Their stories are powerful reminders that with passion, hard work, and perseverance, dreams can become a reality, even if the journey begins later than expected. Their accomplishments inspire not only aspiring athletes but anyone who believes that it’s never too late to pursue their goals and make a mark on the world.
