The Olympics proves you're never too old
- By Richard Branson -
- Aug 04, 2012
There’s been some inspirational performances during the first week of London 2012, with the likes of Michael Phelps and Sir Chris Hoy pushing the boundaries of sporting endeavour.
However there’s been one competitor in particular who has caught my eye, Japan’s Hiroshi Hoketsu. Well, perhaps I should say two competitors - we shouldn’t forget his horse Whisper! Competing in the individual dressage event Hoketsu is the Games’ oldest athlete at the age of 71, having first appeared at the 1964 Olympic Games in his native Tokyo.
What I like about Hoketsu is his determination, he’s clearly still got the ability to compete at the highest level and his age certainly hasn’t held him back. When asked if he’d be back in four years time for Rio 2016 his response was marvellous: “I want to go but I don't think I can because it's very difficult to find a horse to bring me to Brazil. My present horse is too old for that!”
The horse might be too old but I’m sure Hoketsu will still be in shape, I for one hope he’s there!
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
