Henry Young, a 101-year-old competitive tennis player from South Australia, continues to play three to four times a week despite numerous injuries and surgeries (two new knees, a new hip, pacemaker). He attributes his longevity and ability to recover to perseverance and the sport itself, advocating for older people to continue playing. Young, who started playing competitively at 70, is preparing for the ITF Masters Championships in Croatia and hopes to inspire others to stay active.
‘Tennis repairs you’: the 101-year-old fuelled by iced coffee who still plays competitively
TennisAustralia sportSports
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Henry Young, a 101-year-old competitive tennis player from South Australia, continues to play three to four times a week despite numerous injuries and surgeries (two new knees, a new hip, pacemaker). He attributes his longevity and ability to recover to perseverance and the sport itself, advocating for older people to continue playing. Young, who started playing competitively at 70, is preparing for the ITF Masters Championships in Croatia and hopes to inspire others to stay active.
- 1 School years: Young played tennis and rugby.
- 2 After WWII: Young returned to work on land, played tennis a few times a year.
- 3 30 years ago (when he was 70): Young started playing competitive tennis in Adelaide.
- 4 2023: Young made history as the first 100-year-old to play in the World Masters Individual Championships.
- 5 Current: Young plays 3-4 times a week, trains, and bought a rowing machine.
- 6 October (current year): Young is preparing for the ITF Masters Championships in Croatia.
- Young continues to play competitively at an advanced age
- He inspires others to remain active
- He made history as the first 100-year-old to play in the World Masters Individual Championships
- Potential for new age categories in tennis for older players
What: Henry Young, a 101-year-old, continues to play competitive tennis regularly and is preparing for an international championship, despite multiple past injuries and surgeries.
When: Since school; after the second world war; 30 years ago (when he was 70 and retired); 2023 (made history as first 100-year-old to play in World Masters Individual Championships); October (current year) preparing for ITF Masters Championships.
Where: South Australia, Adelaide, Croatia (for championships), New Zealand (served in navy).
Why: Young's personal doggedness and belief that tennis helps recovery; desire to inspire others to stay active despite age or injury; competitive nature.
How: Young plays tennis 3-4 times a week, trains in the gym, and recently bought a rowing machine; he maintains a balanced diet with a unique addition of iced coffee.