How do you defy Father Time? The question dogs every athlete, but some of the very best manage to stave off the inevitable to achieve glory and that includes US snowboarder Nick Baumgartner.
The Iron River, Michigan native became the oldest snowboarder to win gold in Olympic history in Beijing when, at age 40, he teamed up with 36-year-old Lindsey Jacobellis to win the inaugural mixed-team snowboard cross event.
Now 44, Baumgartner is looking to defy the odds again and aim to defend the title. But just how does he do it?
“At my age, I mean, if I stop, I’m gonna be in trouble, right? So it’s nonstop. I’m doing stuff every day,” he told CNN Sports in October. “I work harder. I guarantee you, no one’s outworking me out there because that’s what I have to do. I’ve learned from my mistakes over the years.
“Luckily, I had the longevity to put that into play and really get it and then to bring the medal home. So when you see somebody, young bucks out there, and they’re coming for you, and you’re medal.”
But just where does he find the energy and passion to keep going? What does he hope to achieve?
“People think it’s crazy like, ‘How are you not burned out?’ But I love it. We’re gonna redefine what’s possible because, in society, everyone tells you what you can and what you can’t do: ‘I know you’re too old for this.’ Well, I’m here to prove that that’s crazy, right?”
Asked if anything scares him: “No, absolutely not. I mean it used to because it was like ‘What if? Can I?’ Well now you’ve already got the medal, right? Pressure’s gone. You know what that does? Makes me dangerous, even at 44.”
Watch out, world.
