I read about this former pro skateboarder, considered the best in the world by many. Born in the 60s he can no longer perform the tricks of his youth, his body just won’t allow it. He also gets funny looks when he’s on his skateboard, so he only goes out at night. Street cleaners and the homeless are the only ones that see him. An old man just skating the streets performing the occasional trick.
It’s sad when your passion in life is tied to your body’s abilities. As you get older your body just can’t perform the same movements that it could in its youth. And if you suffer an injury it takes a lot longer to heal.
Take Speedway riders for example. Due to the nature of the sport and the possibility of serious injury, it is considered a young man’s sport. Retirement age is around 40. Pushing that limit can have consequences. One rider pushed that boundary into his early 50s. He was past his prime and struggled to compete with the younger riders, but his passion for his profession kept him going as long as he could. He wasn’t ready to retire and become a commentator just yet. He felt he had a few more rides left in him.
Some keep their bikes, their skateboards, and ride just for fun. Limiting the risks. Embracing the feeling they get from doing what they love. For as long as they can.