The 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to the enduring power of passion for sports, as numerous athletes prove that age is merely a number. In disciplines like equestrian and table tennis, women over 50 are shattering age-related expectations and showcasing their exceptional abilities on the world stage. Lorna Johnstone, a British equestrian born in 1902, holds the record for the oldest Olympian ever. She began competing internationally at 45 and participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics in dressage at the age of 70. While few in number, these women serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring athletes of all ages, demonstrating that dreams are attainable regardless of the years.
Meet some of the remarkable women over 50 who are making their mark at this year’s Games:
Ni Xialian
At 61, Ni Xialian is one of the oldest table tennis players competing in the Olympics. Born in China in 1963, Xialian Ni started playing table tennis at the age of seven. She joined the Chinese national team as a teenager and later moved to Luxembourg, where she built a successful career, representing the country in international competitions since 1991. Competing in her sixth Olympics with numerous European and World Championship titles under her belt, Ni Xialian told the Wall Street Journal that she’s not yet certain about returning for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, when she’ll be 65.
Mary Hanna
Representing Australia, Mary Hanna is the oldest athlete competing in Paris 2024. An experienced dressage competitor at 69, Hanna has participated in six Olympic Games and is a respected figure in equestrian thanks to her skills and deep understanding of the sport. Outside of the Olympics, she balances her athletic life with coaching, mentoring new generations of riders alongside her husband, Rob Hanna, the head coach of the Australian Equestrian Team.
Tania Zeng
Representing Switzerland, Tania Zeng is another veteran table tennis player in Paris 2024. Born in 1969, Zeng began her career in China before moving to Switzerland. A prodigy in her youth, she stepped away from the sport only to return during the pandemic. With a collection of national and international titles, Zeng is known for her precision and strategic gameplay. Though eliminated in the preliminary round, Tania fulfilled her dream of participating in the Olympics.
Jill Irving
Jill Irving from Canada is one of the most experienced competitors in Paris 2024. At 61, she boasts a long career in equestrian, excelling in dressage. The Canadian made her debut with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in 2013. Six years later, she secured the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Peru. Since then, she has participated in various international championships and is renowned for her connection with her horses and her refined technique.
