Sports medicine stats: Improved performance of older athletes
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Older athletes are performing at a higher level than ever before. Eight masters Ironman triathlon records were set in 2010, and three of these were set by people over 65 years old.
For the past 25 years, the average Ironman performance has risen progressively, resulting in an average 7.5% – 8% time improvement for all age groups over 45 years old. In a recent study of more than 900,000 marathon participants, one fourth of the runners in their mid to late 60’s outperformed half the runners aged 20 to 54.
– Source: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, September 2014
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Older athletes are performing at a higher level than ever before. Eight masters Ironman triathlon records were set in 2010, and three of these were set by people over 65 years old.