She greatly inspires me to soar in all that I do. We should keep going and going and doing our best whenever we can.
Nice to see this kind of coverage. Great story, well told.
3
The comeback story of the ages may very well be Oksana Chusovitina. May Uzbekistan learn a lesson from its wild child.
3
Grit and determination! I think of gymnasts as "Airbenders". They have a deep connection with the Air and Earth; and they bend both their bodies and gravity to be invincible.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
2
One thing people didn't mention: Biles does not have to compete ever again because at 19 she is a millionaire many times over. After training for 13+ years she doesn't have to work another day in her life.
1
When you look at our country and think of one of the biggest epidemics out there- obesity, well this lady is a role model in so many ways. Having the Olympics spirit to overcome the odds of competing against girls half her age, believing in herself, having the discipline to stay in top shape, etc. How many athletes let themselves go after they stop competing? And, how many Americans simply fail to exercise at all and let time and poor habits take over. Oksana, how I wish the American media machine would take you on and show all that age should not be a deterrent to living a healthy life to the fullest. Drop the pharmaceuticals, exercise at whatever age you are to the best of your abilities......now this is the Olympic Spirit!!!! Oksana, you rule!!!
4
Maybe it's my vintage showing, but I'm a lot more interested in this story than those that gush about ten year old wonderkind in any sport.
4
Brava!!!
Somehow "You go, girl" doesn't seem quite appropriate...
Somehow "You go, girl" doesn't seem quite appropriate...
2
The aging process is frequently misunderstood. A middle aged person, if they take care of themselves, may have greater strength at 40 than they do at 20, and this was measurably the case with me in terms of weight-lifting, speed response, and long-term endurance.
While the body looses a certain level of elasticity in some joints, it can gain muscle mass and strength at the same time.
While the body looses a certain level of elasticity in some joints, it can gain muscle mass and strength at the same time.
8
What a woman!!! My hero!! Just wow!
11
I love this woman!! She's my superhero.
19
Holy crow! WOW! She totally rocks, as the younger ones may say.
If you've got it, use it.
If you've got it, use it.
17
I would be happy to see term limits put in place for Olympic athletes. Twice in 10 years and then please gracefully move on to the rest of your life. Coaching, family, business. Whatever.
It would be really wonderful to see a first time 90 year Olympian competing in ping pong or distance running but an Olympic dynasty of one is really boring.
It would be really wonderful to see a first time 90 year Olympian competing in ping pong or distance running but an Olympic dynasty of one is really boring.
3
I hope one day when you're 90 you remember this comment as you're struggle walking up the stairs - alone. If an aged human being has vitality left in them who are we to diminish it? I say rock out! Age is not always a limit!
26
If an athlete -- or any person in any endeavor -- is able to surpass the competition, then why should he or she step out of the running?
If you're bored, then it's you who should "gracefully move on" to something that interests you more.
If you're bored, then it's you who should "gracefully move on" to something that interests you more.
37
Watson,
Your comment makes me wonder how old you are, and whether you have any activities in your life that you can't imagine giving up.
Your comment makes me wonder how old you are, and whether you have any activities in your life that you can't imagine giving up.
8
I wonder how, in the grand scheme of things, devoting hours and hours to practicing to outperforming others on some athletic event compares to spending hours and hours helping the poor and hungry.
4
In the grand scheme of things, I'd much rather someone spend hours improving their athletic skills than what many other people do with their time - like hedge fun types or spending all day on Facebook.
14
Does it have to be one or the other? It is possible to train for a sport and then still have time for family and philanthropic interests. To be able to compete at an elite level against those half her age is remarkable feat, regardless of how interesting or worthwhile one finds gymnastics. (And how many people devote hours and hours of their time on the couch binge-watching Netflix or hours and hours of their time online instead?)
22
We all have different ways to contribute to the society. One does not need to "spending hours and hours helping the poor and hungry" to make a difference. As for Chusovitina, I believe she has inspired many people on what she believes,, and she has made a significant contribution.
7
What a phenomenal human being and an inspiration to all of humanity. Kudos to NYT to cover this story with a human touch. Her recognition is as important as all the other marvelous athletes who compete against the odds. Bravo!
52
Good for her. Keep going.
Who was it that said "Don't stop playing because you are old. You get old if you stop playing".
Who was it that said "Don't stop playing because you are old. You get old if you stop playing".
43
This woman rocks.
Hope she makes the next Olympic team too.
At the advanced age of 45.
Hope she makes the next Olympic team too.
At the advanced age of 45.
41
Just the thing to read as I chug my morning coffee and wait for stiff joints to loosen up. Chusovitina, you are awesome, and very inspiring! I won't be trying the Produnova, however.
34
I can do the last part of her routine (one forward roll-over). But it's hard.
9
Absolutely wonderful to read. "Because I liek it!" That's the true essence of sport and phsyical activity. Brava!
34
At 41years old I Enlisted in U.S. Army Combat Teams(Reserve/NG) something I had originally down 24years earlier at the age of 17. Seeing my guys under heavy fire on TV every night, I had to do something. Rapidly Ended up in Afght in a Combat Team whose ages 18-26.. .Thankfully was able to bring ALL Of THEM HOME.. .Even after multiple attacks. Past few years had to qualify weapons, obstacle courses, long-distance roadmarches, PT Test(were agonizing), Live-Fires with 60+plus lbs of equipment under hot sun. A year ago decided(after 6continuous years) my body had enough and with total of 15years in Combat Teams All Infantry ARMY/MARINES.. .I Decided it was time to call it a day. Today I run 5K's, 10K's, training for Triathalons and mountain climb/long distance hiking. So this is how I feel .. .Always conquer Your Fears or you'll always LIVE with WHAT IF's(I could've done). Always DO THE BEST YOU CAN.
23
You don't quit playing because you get old, you get old because you quit playing!
16
OK I can already tell I'm going to be an odd ball. I feel it is supremely sad that this woman (and others for other reason) still finds it necessary to compete as an Olympian. Though all the gymnasts look maximally stressed and unhappy, despite their hauntingly fake smiles, this one looks to be the most unhappy -- in fact, she doesn't even fake a smile anymore. Since when, people, was the Olympics a career (in modern history)? I direct by skepticism to not just his gymnast but to Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. Move over guys and let the young, upcoming fresh talent have their chance on the team. My argument gets far more jeers in the case of the latter two athletes b/c they are "the best" -- but, really? Who else didn't make it on the team b/c these guys are clogging up the system? Maybe there is someone who, in a moment of Olympic glory to be remembered forever, might have out-shone these career Olympians. I can't help but think that in her native country there isn't some young upstart who might have been a better choice for the team. But this 41 year old is a fixture, and one that should step aside. In her case, watching her compete was painful and sad and inglorious. My model is Eric Heiden: win multiple medals, go to med school, move the needle by helping others in the world after you've had your time in the sun.
5
The USA wants to send the best possible team. When someone can beat an older athlete at the trials, then they can have their spot. Otherwise, we are not sending the strongest possible team to represent our country.
18
Oksana is there because she qualified. That means she BEAT younger up-and-coming candidates in the qualifying competitions. That's how the process works. If she hadn't been better, she wouldn't have made the team. She isn't "clogging up the system".
Asking successful people - of any occupation - to step aside after they have had their moment is wrong. If you're still competitive - in any occupation - you should stay in the game as long as you are enjoying yourself.
And as to that severe look - she came out of the Soviet Union when that face was typical.
Asking successful people - of any occupation - to step aside after they have had their moment is wrong. If you're still competitive - in any occupation - you should stay in the game as long as you are enjoying yourself.
And as to that severe look - she came out of the Soviet Union when that face was typical.
53
One of life's lessons is that young people crave and need role models. And we grown ups do to. To work harder, strive for goals that we thought unattainable, or merely improve our mental and physical being. This is an example of exactly that kind of role model and the Olympics is a great show case for that spirit.
9
She has the most valid reason for staying in the sport: because she likes it. More power to her. I hope she decides to go to Tokyo. I'd love to see her compete again.
85
Agility in aging is not an oxymoron. This athlete, in my opinion, is not only a powerhouse, but super creative. I personally loved her somersault coming out of the vault. Made me smile.
48
Coffee, coffee, coffee and dark chocolate, plus a couple hours of hard exercise a day - that is a regimen I can imagine following. Too bad I don't have world class athletic ability in any sport. Oh well, at least I can enjoy the coffee and chocolate.
Congratulations to Chusovitina, that she still is able to perform at a top level, and equally importantly that she still enjoys doing it. A great example for all.
Congratulations to Chusovitina, that she still is able to perform at a top level, and equally importantly that she still enjoys doing it. A great example for all.
86
She earned the right to represent her country, not the focus on her age that didn't sound entirely respectful. While a lot of the commentary has improved since the insipid, sometimes demeaning NBC contribution to the opening ceremonies, the presenter back and forth about how old she was was not only exaggerated "before a lot of us were born..." but was discouraging. Our country is fortunate to have stellar resources to help train our athletes and a deep bench of them to choose from. That this woman has managed to maintain her fitness and abilities while juggling other responsibilities, like a son with health issues and train in the circumstances she can manage is really admirable and her story is part of what makes the Olympics special and a window into a world beyond ours. I wish her the best.
105
Agree with Bookish. In a 100 years or less, people will not be judged by age. Everyone ages differently. It's ignorant to do so now. 0:-)a
1
How can Simone Biles decide now that she won't compete into her 30s?
Oksana: YOU GO GIRL!!!
Oksana: YOU GO GIRL!!!
18
I think at 16 you don't think that 30 or 40 are still young and healthy enough ages to do this... I started exercising by running at 29; today, at 32 I feel more healthy than at 22 or 25... When you're that young you think that's the peak, but time and life tell you otherwise... Let her grow up and we'll see.... ;)
9
Honestly I think the American gymnastics system is the most rigorous and grueling in the world (although the Russians and Chinese are no slouches in that department). There was recently an Op-Ed piece in the Times by an ex-gymnast who started getting stress fractures in her back at 8 and retired at 13. We push and push and push, expecting that gold medal. I honestly think that if the Final Five had been abducted by aliens, we could have fielded another outstanding team that could have medaled because we have such great depth in the US, but the pressure to win is so extreme here and it takes a toll financially, physically, mentally that those young women can burn out young.
3
I am admired of this woman.
21
And welcome to North America!
Great story! I really hope medical researchers are in fact studying her because she's probably got something pretty unusual happening at the physical level. Plus, a great attitude of course!
9
A thrilling and inspirational story!
I'd like to make a general comment about reporting...how about reporting the percentage of medals vs. the number a country has competing? Not to belittle the marvelous U.S. atheletes but if you have over 500 competing surely you will win a lot of medals....
I'd like to make a general comment about reporting...how about reporting the percentage of medals vs. the number a country has competing? Not to belittle the marvelous U.S. atheletes but if you have over 500 competing surely you will win a lot of medals....
25
Also, include the population of a country. A lot easier to come up with amazing athletes when you have 300 million people to choose from!
16
Tell that to India.
8
EinT drops the microphone!
1
Judges should give a mark for artistic and watch a replay to judge technical. I dont really care about this sport but while watching it it was obvious even to the commentators that the judges were missing mistakes.
3
I loved the incredibly positive and uplifting tone of this article. I hope the NY Times continues this type of coverage when they start the US Open coverage and note Serena and Venus William's age in relation to their opponents. Why is it such a anomaly for older women to compete?
12
For some, they are expected to "get on with their lives" after sport and start making a family.
1
I'm 79 in a few weeks, regularly lifting weights and peeking at how the much less the younger women (and some of the men) at the the gym lift than I do. My routine keeps me slim and fit. My competitive peeking keeps my ego chugging along. And, of course, I like it all very much.
Go Chusovitina!
Go Chusovitina!
89
Ditto! turning 80 in October, have worn the same size clothing for 35 years (jeans size 34, though can still squeeze in 33). Think young, act young, feel young and you'll stay young. Exercise, eat less and watch what you eat. Love and enjoy life and love people around you!
6
I am 71 and love to ski downhill. This ski place I go to have a wonderful incentive: if you are over 70, you are in the 70+ Club and you ski free!
And now that I am retired, I get to go skiing in weekdays and I see a lot of older folks. Last year, I asked this gentleman I saw often if he was in the 70+ Club. He said, 'yes, I am. I am 82'!
And he added, 'I don't see the lady who has been coming till last winter. She was 91. But there is a monsignor who comes and he is 89'!!
I saw an older gentleman and asked him, 'are you the monsignor?'. He said, 'that would be a priest; no, I am not a monsignor; why do you ask?'
I told him that I was looking for him because I was told he is 89 and still skis. He said, 'well, I am a retired doctor; but I am 89'!!!
I am certainly hoping I will be walking without help when I am at that age.
And now that I am retired, I get to go skiing in weekdays and I see a lot of older folks. Last year, I asked this gentleman I saw often if he was in the 70+ Club. He said, 'yes, I am. I am 82'!
And he added, 'I don't see the lady who has been coming till last winter. She was 91. But there is a monsignor who comes and he is 89'!!
I saw an older gentleman and asked him, 'are you the monsignor?'. He said, 'that would be a priest; no, I am not a monsignor; why do you ask?'
I told him that I was looking for him because I was told he is 89 and still skis. He said, 'well, I am a retired doctor; but I am 89'!!!
I am certainly hoping I will be walking without help when I am at that age.
6
I thought that Rea sounded too ''real-world'' to be one of our mindless millennials. Lead on, Rea Tarr.
As a 41-year-old (male, but it hardly matters), I had a hard time watching her vaults, as I imagined how my own knees and spine would have responded (shatteringly, no doubt).
Her performance was a testament to human will and strength but her story involves more than luck or sheer will. She certainly possesses great wisdom in terms of training and conditioning, and young athletes could probably learn a lot from her.
Her performance was a testament to human will and strength but her story involves more than luck or sheer will. She certainly possesses great wisdom in terms of training and conditioning, and young athletes could probably learn a lot from her.
106
Bravo Oksana! Keep at it as long as you can.
24
As a newly-minted 40-year-old, this is my favorite Olympics story yet!
33
Thank you for featuring a true athlete, non elite but an athlete none the less, one who exemplifies dedication and perseverance.
60
She is in the top eight vaulters in the world currently.
How is that not elite, again?
How is that not elite, again?
125
Two world championships, as well as Olympic gold medal and silver: that's elite in my book!
80
An elite athlete is one who is known outside of the tight circles of their sport. Perhaps then it is the "selling" off her sport wherein the "problem" lies.
Age is only a number for some of us! Ignore the actuaries, and just, well, Do It! Good for her!!!
21
Good for her!
7
Funny, 41 seems like a youngster to me. I remember being 36 and being worried I was too old for my chosen sport, and feeling aghast at older women still competing, which was pure ignorance and ageism on my part. I've seen many women just getting started in their 40s, and now in my 50s, if I squint I see some still competing in their 60s. Now I'm completely inspired by them. We're at an amateur level, yes. But if you love it, why quit? Perhaps Biles, too, with her immense talent, will have a change of perspective as she ages.
17
It is a remarkable achievement to compete at this level as a teenager. The ability to do it at age 41 is humbling to view. Well done Oksana!!!
69
Our minds can lead our bodies to unfathomable achievements, especially when we're not sitting at a desk all day being miserable. Kudos Ms. Chusovitina!
29
41? Why she's still a child.
3
A gold medal for sustained excellent performance!
23
The Olympics again prove that youth is wasted on the young and wisdom is wasted on the old. That has to change in the next universe.
11
why a 'freak'? why an 'aberration'? isn't this precisely the spirit Baron du Coupertin wanted to conjure when he brought back the Olympics? "It's not about winning. It's about taking part"?
thanks NYT for writing about athletes with (no medals) but true Olympic spirit in the age of millionaire sponsorships. Power to the Phelps, the Giles, the Bolts of sports... but there's plenty more true champions competing in Rio as I write this.
thanks NYT for writing about athletes with (no medals) but true Olympic spirit in the age of millionaire sponsorships. Power to the Phelps, the Giles, the Bolts of sports... but there's plenty more true champions competing in Rio as I write this.
55
She's a mother and a survivor of all the training and competition. She has the mental toughness on a Navy SEAL. An inspiration to us all.
69
Not to mention that she had to deal with her son having leukemia. I would think that the stress from that would age you quicker than world-class gymnastics.
4
Oksana is my new spirit animal. Her pure love of the sport and fearlessness - mixed with motherhood - are fantastic. May we see her in 2021!
25
Inspirational!
7
Wonderful. Great attitude.
3
Oksana Chusovitina - 2016 Rio Olympics
14.833 - Two vault average score
2.0000 - Degree of difficulty bonus for performing these vaults (including the Produnova vault of death) WHILE 41 YEARS OLD !!
16.833 - Final Score, Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal, Individual Vault Champion
Extraordinary Mother Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal - left her native country to seek lifesaving cancer treatment for her child
14.833 - Two vault average score
2.0000 - Degree of difficulty bonus for performing these vaults (including the Produnova vault of death) WHILE 41 YEARS OLD !!
16.833 - Final Score, Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal, Individual Vault Champion
Extraordinary Mother Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal - left her native country to seek lifesaving cancer treatment for her child
58
An inspiration. A tenacious individual with courage and motivation.
10
Congratulations to Chusovitina. As someone over 40 who did gymnastics in my youth, I was inspired to see that age needn't be an obstacle. I will approach my stretch and tone class with a completely different attitude toward my own capabilities from now on. By the way, in defense of the announcer who lacks "subtlety", he actually said the 1992 were held "5 years before Simone Biles was even born," which is an accurate statement and displays a sound grasp of basic mathematics.
5
Ah, but the announcer said that the Barcelona games in 1992 were held "before most of us were born", implying that most of the audience (and the announcers) were under 24, not most of the gymnasts competing against Chusovitina, which would have been true. The further implication was that anyone old enough to remember the Barcelona games must be positively ancient! That's not particularly subtle.
Of course, I'd guess that many people in the audience are old enough to remember Mary Lou Retton's 1984 performance in the Los Angeles games, or Nadia Comaneci's 1976 performance; surely Olympic television viewers over fifty aren't extinct yet! So I'd say that the announcer's math is indeed a bit suspect.
Of course, I'd guess that many people in the audience are old enough to remember Mary Lou Retton's 1984 performance in the Los Angeles games, or Nadia Comaneci's 1976 performance; surely Olympic television viewers over fifty aren't extinct yet! So I'd say that the announcer's math is indeed a bit suspect.
15
That attitude embodies the Olympic spirit!
Her courage and dedication deserves our utmost admiration.
Her courage and dedication deserves our utmost admiration.
20
It’s amazing that at this age, Oksana Chusovitina still has the guts to compete in the Olympics.
It’s so fascinating that Oksana still trains "for fun" for the games. I find it so awesome that although most of the girls she had competed with are almost half her age, that this didn't discouraged her from her dream. She didn't let her age get in the way of her competing in the games. More power to Oksana Chusovitina!
She basically sent a message to most of us, to stop giving up or be discouraged so easily. Have faith and determination that you will succeed no matter what obstacles you may face. She is the best role model one can have. The best part of all of this to me is that she attempted, “the vault of death" most people dare not to attempt this because it’s so dangerous. this is a real power move that she did, because this could have been a great disaster if she landed even worse than what she actually did. More power to Oksana for putting this in her routine. The best part about all of this is that we might see Ms. Chusovitina in the next games.
It’s so fascinating that Oksana still trains "for fun" for the games. I find it so awesome that although most of the girls she had competed with are almost half her age, that this didn't discouraged her from her dream. She didn't let her age get in the way of her competing in the games. More power to Oksana Chusovitina!
She basically sent a message to most of us, to stop giving up or be discouraged so easily. Have faith and determination that you will succeed no matter what obstacles you may face. She is the best role model one can have. The best part of all of this to me is that she attempted, “the vault of death" most people dare not to attempt this because it’s so dangerous. this is a real power move that she did, because this could have been a great disaster if she landed even worse than what she actually did. More power to Oksana for putting this in her routine. The best part about all of this is that we might see Ms. Chusovitina in the next games.
21
Very inspiring story, showing that the limitations on age can be broken. Thank you for this story.
7
Good for her! Medal or not, it was great seeing her still compete at such a high level and she clearly enjoys her work.
7
I am so going to the gym in the morning.
41
Hats off to Oksana for perseverance. She is a refreshing antidote to the fresh-faced young gymnasts who, while endearing, have not lived enough years to warrant the admiration I feel towards this woman who is closer to my age and competes because she loves it.
7
What a model of courage and determination! Gymnastics is a sport that seems fixated on ever-younger competitors, to the point that gymnasts under sixteen are now barred from competing. The idea that a gymnast over twenty is past her prime seems almost universal, but Chusovitina proves that athletic ability doesn't vanish upon reaching adulthood.
Some may point to the fact that she didn't medal as proof that Chusovitina should have retired long ago. But that ignores the fact that at forty-one, she's still the seventh-best women's vaulter in the world. And who knows where she would have finished if she'd stuck the landing on her more difficult vault — only one other finalist attempted one as difficult, and she also struggled with the landing.
It would have been nice to see Oksana Chusovitina on the medal stand this year. But even without a medal, she should be an inspiration to younger gymnasts, and perhaps a spur to future Olympic teams not to give up on veteran athletes simply because they've passed some arbitrary age. She may have finished seventh, but she's still an Olympic champion.
Some may point to the fact that she didn't medal as proof that Chusovitina should have retired long ago. But that ignores the fact that at forty-one, she's still the seventh-best women's vaulter in the world. And who knows where she would have finished if she'd stuck the landing on her more difficult vault — only one other finalist attempted one as difficult, and she also struggled with the landing.
It would have been nice to see Oksana Chusovitina on the medal stand this year. But even without a medal, she should be an inspiration to younger gymnasts, and perhaps a spur to future Olympic teams not to give up on veteran athletes simply because they've passed some arbitrary age. She may have finished seventh, but she's still an Olympic champion.
20
Yay. Just yay.
5
I love this story. She is amazing.
5
You go girl!
2
Insane! And terribly, TERRIBLY, cool!
5
What a wonderful story on a wonderful lady. This is the true spirit of the Olympics. More power to her!
5
I watched Ms. Chusovitina compete tonight, and I was simply blown away by her level of athleticism and commitment--and joy, really. What else gets a 41 year old woman out of bed every morning to put herself through grueling workouts for 4 years for a long shot pay off--7 times! She's simply an inspiration to the human spirit, to my woman's spirit, and I'm glad she's still out there dreaming for all of us.
20
While people are justly celebrating Chusovitina, there others. Take a look at 44 year old Ekatarina Karsten from Belarus. She just finished her seventh Olympics, rowing in the single sculls. She medaled in the first five, nearly medaled in London, and just had the sixth fastest time in the finals in Rio.
15
I think the difference is that gymnastics, at least for women, is very much typically a very young women's sport. This is due to the degree of flexibility and the risk of injuries as they age due to the pounding they take. Also, the ideal body type is slighly prepubertal, due to changes in center of gravity, and this will often change as these athletes (often belatedly) physically mature into their late teens and 20s. This is not true for many other sports, where age and experience will often make up for any tiny decrement in power in those sports with age, and where a prepubertal body type has no advantage, and is in fact a disadvantage.
13
Loveliest story of the day. Good for her!
10
I loved watching her! If she comes back for the next Olympics at age 45, she deserves an honorary medal for lifetime achievement.
13