Incredible 101-year-old tennis player Henry Young from Australia helps defy age-related stereotypes every day. He races hard against guys that are 30 or 40 years his junior! Just recently, he turned heads with fast, powerful strokes at the Queensland Seniors Championships held at the Gold Coast. At 62 years old, he showed that age is no obstacle to athletic success! For Young, his competitive streak and his commitment to staying active have been key parts of his longevity.
Young’s journey in tennis took another leap this January when he stepped onto the court at the Australian Open in 2023. Despite being 99 years old, he kept pace on the court with tennis powerhouses like Alexander Zverev and Francis Tiafoe. It’s obvious from talking with him that his heart beats for the sport and raw competition—with as much fire as ever to continue to raise the bar.
“People give up their tennis too early,” – Henry Young
A Life of Adventure and Challenges
Henry Young’s adventurous spirit extends beyond tennis. He loves the competition of skiing, which he says is a great way to push yourself. Young hopes to visit Switzerland later this year to further pursue his skiing interests. He is gearing up for a trip to Croatia for his next masters tennis tournament. His competitive spirit has no limits!
Impressive as his résumé is, Young’s life hasn’t just been about impressive opportunities. He fought as a fighter pilot in the Second World War and piloted different planes, like the navy version of the Spitfire. He trained in the United States for 13 months and looks back on those experiences as some of his best.
“You’ve got to be looking for them and grab them, and that’s what I’ve been able to do through my life and it’s been wonderful,” – Henry Young
Keys to Longevity
Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle has been the key to Young’s longevity. He talks a lot about nutrition, and in particular his ideal breakfast—which is a bowl of corn flakes and sliced fruit. Young is passionate about the importance of self-care in living your best life today.
The centenarian attributes his energy to progress in science. These are just a few of the innovations that have enabled him to remain mobile, despite serious health setbacks. Young has had a bypass procedure, in addition to knee replacements and the installation of a pacemaker. He looks back on these experiences with humor and gratitude.
“Medicine is so good these days that when things wear out they can renew them — I’m a living example of that,” – Henry Young
He’s not just practicing what he preaches; he’s helping others take their own active ager journey, too.
“There’s no reason why everybody shouldn’t be there, it’s just a matter of looking after yourself and enjoying yourself,” – Henry Young
