The Georgia gunman Making history This year’s appearance marks the first time that a female athlete has competed in 10 consecutive Summer Olympics. Her lastShe made her Olympic debut in Seoul in 1988, representing the then-Soviet Union. In her 36-year career, she won three medals (one gold, one silver, and one bronze). In Paris, she placed 38th in the 10-meter air pistol and 40th in the 25-meter pistol.
7. Diana Taurasi (basketball), 42 years old
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Taurasi Oldest basketball player of all time The U.S. national team athlete has an impressive resume, including five Olympic medals, but despite her accomplishments, she has often been criticized for her age (she’s nine years older than the next-oldest member of the team, Brittney Griner).
But when it comes to the pressure to retire, Taurasi is unequivocal: “If there’s one thing you can’t escape in this country, it’s ageism,” she told reporters in Paris. “I’m here to compete. I’m here to play at a high level. I’m here to contribute to my teammates. And I’m here to win gold medals. That’s it. I’m not worried about the last 20 years. I’m worried about the next 20 years.”
8. Jordan Larson (volleyball), 37
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Forced into soul-searching following her divorce, the U.S. gold medallist suddenly decided to call off her retirement after just her fourth Olympics. “I got married right after the Tokyo Olympics and was living the dream. I was ready to retire and have a family, but things happen in life,” she said. Associated Press in June. “I had to take a step back and think about what I really wanted to do…Being with the girls really confirmed that this is where I’m meant to be.”
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