At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, a remarkable group of veteran athletes aged 40 and above are showcasing their talents, defying age-related prejudices in the sports arena. One of the notable figures is Austrian snowboarder Claudia Riegler, who at 52 years old, is competing in her fifth Olympics after successfully overcoming past exclusions from the national team due to age discrimination. Riegler emphasizes that she doesn't think about her age unless someone brings it up, highlighting a powerful mindset among older athletes who continue to push boundaries.

The bobsleigh competitions also feature inspiring stories of athletes returning to their sports after significant life events, such as childbirth. Notably, Kailey Humphries from the U.S. made a comeback at the age of 40 after the birth of her first child in 2024. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, she has switched nationalities from Canada to the U.S. and is competing in both the mono and two-person bobsleigh categories this year. Teammate Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, is also participating in her fifth Olympics and maintains her competitive standing while balancing motherhood with her athletic career.

Another remarkable participant is Richie Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curlers from the U.S. who continues to compete at a high level, having started curling in 1981. Ruohonen, who has a storied history in international competitions including two World Championships appearances, exemplifies the longevity of athletes who refuse to retire despite their age. Not to be overlooked, Italian skier Federica Brignone earned a gold medal in the women's super-G event at the age of 35, making her the oldest female Olympic medalist in alpine skiing history. These athletes collectively challenge the notion that age should be a limiting factor in sports, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions regardless of age.