Henry Young: A Century of Tennis Passion
At the remarkable age of 101, Henry Young continues to defy expectations by actively competing in tennis, a passion he has pursued for over three decades at the Memorial Drive Tennis Club in Adelaide. His journey in the sport began later in life, but his dedication has made headlines, especially in light of his recent participation in the World Masters Individual Championships, where he became the first centenarian to compete. Young believes that the perception of age is a barrier that needs to be challenged, and he is living proof that sporting life doesn’t have to end with advancing years.
“Oh, it bothers me when I see others sidelining themselves due to injuries,” Young remarked, emphasizing the importance of resilience in sports.
His philosophy mirrors the reality that a minor ailment shouldn’t signal an end to playing; it is the spirit of tenacity that defines his longevity in the game. Despite multiple surgeries, including two knee replacements and a hip replacement, Young’s determination has allowed him to maintain an impressive playing schedule of three to four times a week, often alongside his friend and doubles partner, Gerry Prideaux.
Rediscovering Tennis
Tennis, along with rugby and squash, has been a significant part of Young’s life since his school days. However, it wasn’t until he retired from farming at the age of 70 that he stepped back onto the court more regularly. An encounter with a recruiting sign at Memorial Drive reignited his passion, leading him to cleverly state he belonged to the fictitious Inglewood Tennis Club just to join; a testament to his unwavering competitive spirit.
Training and Nutrition
As Young gears up for the upcoming ITF Masters Championships in Croatia, he maintains a rigorous training routine that now includes a rowing machine — a new addition to his fitness regime which he plans to use while enjoying views of the Adelaide hills. Young’s journey is not just about competing, but also about transforming the narrative around sports and aging.
His advice for longevity and health includes maintaining a balanced diet with a personal twist: a weekly consumption of three cartons of Farmers Union iced coffee, which he humorously mentions helps keep him fit. Alongside his love for iced coffee, Young highlights the importance of wholesome meals, including a variety of meats, vegetables, and nuts, as integral to his daily nutrition.
Inspiration and Legacy
Above all, Young champions the joys of tennis, sharing heartfelt wisdom about the sport’s benefits regardless of age.
“Win or lose, you always take something away from it,” he says, underlining the social and competitive aspects that make tennis not just a game, but an essential part of life.
His story serves as an inspiration, showing that age should never be a limitation, and advocating for continued participation in sports as we grow older.
As societal norms evolve, Young believes it is only a matter of time before there are enough centenarians participating in tennis to warrant their own competitive category. His mission, he insists, is to motivate others to persist in their pursuits for health and activity, as more people are living longer than ever before.
