Middle-aged? You can become an Olympian

You didn’t begin swimming at eight-years-old, or execute your first gymnastics vault at five. It takes years of practice and hard work to make the cut as an Olympian. You think without youth on your side there is simply no chance. Not true…you can become an Olympian at the ripe age of 50 or older. Check out these Olympians who are not youngsters, but who are still going for the GOLD! Imagine it…You, entering the stadium during opening ceremonies, your head held high…even if it’s full of grey hair. What an honor to be part of the chosen few. Your bones may not muster the 400 meter race, and you may not be quite agile enough for diving. There are still sports that are kinder to the more mature anatomy. What Olympic sport would you choose?

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Bernard Lagat of The USA celebrates winning the Men's 2 Mile during the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games at Horse Guards Parade on July 20, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 20: Bernard Lagat of The USA celebrates winning the Men’s 2 Mile during the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games at Horse Guards Parade on July 20, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Britain's Jo Pavey crosses the line to win the gold medal in the women's 10,000m final during the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Britain’s Jo Pavey crosses the line to win the gold medal in the women’s 10,000m final during the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Germany's gymnast Oksana Chusovitina celebrates after winning the silver medal during the women's vault apparatus finals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Germany’s gymnast Oksana Chusovitina celebrates after winning the silver medal during the women’s vault apparatus finals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Phillip Dutton of the United States walks with Connaught during the veterinary inspection for the Eventing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Phillip Dutton of the United States walks with Connaught during the veterinary inspection for the Eventing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 31: Australian Mary Hanna shows rthe gold medal she won on Mosaic II in the Volvo Pacific World Cup Dressage Final at the rTipapa indoor equestrian centre, saturday. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 31: Australian Mary Hanna shows rthe gold medal she won on Mosaic II in the Volvo Pacific World Cup Dressage Final at the rTipapa indoor equestrian centre, saturday. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)