Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, has faced renewed criticism over the idea of competing at 40. Meanwhile, male athletes like Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton are not only encouraged to extend their careers well into their 40s but are often celebrated for doing so. This glaring double standard raises important questions about sexism in sports, the perception of aging in female athletes, and the biases that shape how we view longevity in professional sports.
The Double Standard in Aging Athletes
Tom Brady played in the NFL until he was 45, winning a Super Bowl at 43. He was praised as an ageless wonder, a dedicated athlete who defied time through sheer discipline. Lewis Hamilton, still competing in Formula 1 at 39, is seen as an icon, with many expecting him to continue racing for several more years. Even LeBron James, now 39, is treated as a marvel of modern athleticism, with endless debates on whether he could still be the best player in the NBA.
But when Lindsey Vonn even hints at the idea of competing at 40, the reaction is vastly different. Critics question her motivations, her physical capabilities, and whether she should “just let it go.” The enthusiasm that follows male athletes into their later years is replaced with skepticism and outright hostility when it comes to women.
Society’s Perception of Aging Women vs. Men in Sports
A key factor in this criticism is society’s perception of aging women, particularly in high-performance sports. Female athletes are often seen as having an expiration date, and their careers are expected to be shorter than their male counterparts. This is partly because sports science, sponsorship structures, and media narratives have historically been built around the idea that female athletes peak earlier and decline faster.
However, this belief is increasingly being challenged. Serena Williams played professional tennis at a high level well into her late 30s, proving that women can maintain elite performance beyond the supposed age limit. Yet, even she faced questions about whether she was “too old” or “holding on too long”—a narrative rarely applied to male athletes in similar positions.
For male athletes, longevity is framed as a testament to their greatness. When Brady continued playing, he was seen as a master of conditioning and mental fortitude. When Hamilton stays in F1, it’s seen as a sign of his unrelenting passion for the sport. For women, the conversation is different. Vonn is not viewed as an athlete simply pushing her limits; she’s seen as someone refusing to step aside, someone unwilling to accept the “natural order” of aging in women’s sports.
The Physicality Argument: A Flawed Justification?
One argument often used to justify the criticism of female athletes extending their careers is that certain sports are more physically demanding for women. However, this reasoning falls apart when we examine the data.
Vonn, like Brady and Hamilton, has spent her career in a sport that demands high levels of fitness, agility, and injury management. Skiing is undeniably tough on the body, but so is football, where Brady took countless hits for two decades. So is Formula 1, where drivers experience extreme G-forces.
If Brady and Hamilton can compete into their 40s while managing injuries and physical strain, why can’t Vonn? She has already proven she can battle through adversity. She has suffered serious injuries throughout her career—just like any male athlete pushing the limits—yet she has always come back stronger.
So why do critics suddenly believe that age is an insurmountable barrier for her, while it was merely an “extra challenge” for Brady?
Media Bias: The Role of Coverage in Reinforcing These Perceptions
Media coverage plays a significant role in shaping these narratives. When men like Brady or Hamilton continue competing at an elite level, journalists highlight their training regimens, their dietary discipline, and their commitment to their craft. These athletes are often given heroic descriptions, with words like “legendary,” “timeless,” and “unstoppable” dominating the coverage.
In contrast, when female athletes like Vonn consider a return or extend their careers, the coverage is often skeptical. The focus shifts from their discipline to their “desperation” or whether they are damaging their legacy. Words like “stubborn,” “refusing to move on,” and “past their prime” become common.
This bias isn’t exclusive to Vonn. When Serena Williams continued competing into her late 30s, headlines often questioned whether she should retire rather than celebrating her longevity. Meanwhile, Roger Federer, who played professional tennis into his 40s, was treated as a symbol of elegance and endurance.
The contrast in coverage reinforces the idea that women in sports have a much shorter window of relevance, while men can extend their careers indefinitely.
Sponsorship and Financial Incentives: Why the System Works Against Female Athletes
Another crucial factor is the financial structure of professional sports. Male athletes who compete into their 40s often have strong financial incentives. Brady continued playing partly because he still commanded massive contracts. Hamilton still competes because F1 teams see value in his skill, experience, and marketability.
Women, however, face different challenges. Sponsorship deals for female athletes tend to dry up much earlier than those for men. Brands often shift their marketing focus to younger athletes, reinforcing the idea that women must retire sooner to avoid diminishing financial opportunities.
Vonn, despite being one of the most decorated skiers in history, faces a system that subtly pressures her to step aside in ways her male counterparts do not. If sponsors celebrated longevity in women’s sports the same way they do for men, we might see a shift in how female athletes are perceived when they compete at an older age.
Should Lindsey Vonn Compete at 40? The Real Question We Should Be Asking
The real question isn’t whether Vonn should compete at 40—it’s why society tries to stop her while cheering on men doing the same. If she still has the passion, the skill, and the drive to compete, why should she be held to a different standard?
The notion that a woman “shouldn’t” compete past a certain age is outdated and rooted in sexism, not science. Sports are evolving, and more women are proving that age is not a limit but merely another challenge to overcome.
Vonn’s critics may argue that she is past her prime, but if sports history has taught us anything, it’s that greatness is not dictated by arbitrary age limits. If Brady and Hamilton can continue to defy expectations, why should Vonn be denied the same opportunity?
Conclusion: Challenging the Narrative
Lindsey Vonn deserves the same respect and admiration that male athletes receive when they push the boundaries of age and performance. The criticism she faces is not about physical limitations or logic—it’s about deeply ingrained biases in how we view female athletes.
It’s time to challenge these outdated narratives. If Tom Brady can be the “GOAT” at 45, and Lewis Hamilton can still be a dominant force at 39, then Lindsey Vonn should be able to compete at 40 without being questioned, doubted, or ridiculed.
The only real obstacle in her way is a society that still refuses to see female athletes as equals to their male counterparts. It’s time to change that.