Analysis by Leitzelter et al. (1986) argued that
the decline in performance of athletes was
not so much a feature of their biological age,
but a reflection of a “decrease in frequency
and intensity of training.”
Baltes and Baltes (1993) summarised that
studies of masters athletes show the critical
role of practice and maintaining training.
“These athletes appear able to easily
maintain or even improve their performance
by maintaining or increasing the amount of
training and practice.”
The study concluded that it is unlikely that
the true limits of performance will ever be
completely reached as other factors step in
to reduce the training capacity of the older
athlete. “Intensive training over months,
years, and decades, taxes resources such as
time and effort that are also required for other
needs, interests and external demands.”
24
Baltes continues: “The mean absolute
performance across time indicates that
contemporary training methods can go a
long way toward compensating for age-related declines in performance.”
As rowing becomes more professional and
competitive rowers find ways to reduce
external reasons for quitting the sport, there
is every potential for these athletes to remain
in the sport for longer and stay at the top of
their game for longer. Perhaps in the future
rowers like Tomkins and Jaanson will not be
defined and singled out by their age.
■ M. S. B.
Four-time Olympic medallist
James Tomkins (AUS) competed
at his sixth Olympic Games in
Beijing at the age of 43.
