Hello, everyone!
I’m 26 years old from London and extremely fit, and I’m eager to transition into a professional athletic career. I have a passion for sports, literally all of them, and am open to exploring different options. I’m looking for guidance on any sports that have opportunities/ trouts for someone my age.
Could anyone share insights on how to get started, potential pathways to going pro, or specific sports that might be more welcoming to latecomers? Any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated!
Or do I need to contact every sports governing body directly? I’ll literally play any sport, baseball, dodgeball, hockey, tennis, just need an opportunity.
Thank you!
Realistically, your best bet is an individual endurance sport, like long distance running or cross country skiing. Triathlons might be an option. Cycling might be an option, but equipment might be expensive and that could be a barrier.
Aside from that, others have mentioned shooting sports and archery. Curling or bowling could be an option. These would take years to develop, but are things that you could still do in your thirties and forties.
If you have the finances, sport fishing would be an option. In the US there are televised competitions for bass fishing, requiring a relatively small boat, and fly fishing, which you do wearing waders. Not famous people, but still playing for prize money.
Darts, pool, golf, disc golf all can be options for older athletes.
If money is no barrier and you can buy your way in, sailing might be an option. My guess is that you would have to start a bit younger in motorsports, but actors like Patrick Dempsey and Keanu Reeves started late.
I hope this gives you some ideas. Try a few things, see what sticks.
There’s no way you can become a pro in cross country skiing, without starting at an early age. You need an immense level of balance and technique on very narrow skis, at really high speeds and on a variety of snow conditions, in order to perform at the highest level.
For cross country you’d have to live somewhere where to practice it or have financial resources to travel such a place. And people you’d compete against have basically born on skis.
Also for both skiing and cycling you’d need the right genes/background (endurance sports)