“Olympic athletes generally live an average of 2.8 to 5.3 years longer than the general population in which they live.,” writes Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS.

“If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” – Mickey Mantle (baseball player)

The conventional wisdom seems to be that top athletes have so stressed their bodies to achieve elite outcomes that their bodies wear out sooner and they die young. I thought I’d explore this thesis to see if it’s true.

It seems that the life expectancy of elite athletes compared to the general population varies based on factors such as the type of sport and the intensity of physical demands.

Research indicates that, on the whole, elite athletes actually live longer than the average population, although this is not uniform across all sports.

Olympic athletes generally live an average of 2.8 to 5.3 years longer than the general population in which they live. This is often due to their high levels of physical activity, better cardiovascular health, healthier lifestyles and access to superior healthcare. 

Athletes in endurance sports such as swimming and long-distance running tend to experience the most significant longevity benefits, while those in high-contact sports such as rugby and boxing face increased risks due to injuries and the long-term effects of continually being hammered by their opponents. 

Indeed, athletes in collision sports or those requiring intense physical exertion have higher mortality risks due to concussions, repetitive injuries, or chronic conditions such as heart disease. One study found that participants in high-contact sports had an 11 per cent higher mortality rate than athletes in low-impact sports.

Beyond regular exercise and greater physical activity, elite athletes usually maintain healthy diets, avoid harmful habits (such as smoking, drinking and drug taking), and generally engage in behaviours that support positive long-term health outcomes. These factors likely contribute to their increased lifespan. 

While elite athletes generally enjoy a long-term survival advantage, some in particularly dangerous sports – such as motorcycle racing and mountain climbing – may not make it to old age because of the high risks involved. 

So, as a parent, what are the best sports for your children to engage in for their long-term health benefit – and longevity? It seems you should be looking at activities that support physical development, social skills, and emotional well-being, such as:

Swimming

Benefits: Full-body workout, improves cardiovascular health, builds strength and endurance, and is low-impact on joints.

Why it’s great: Lifelong skill, accessible at any age, and helps with safety around water.

Soccer and cricket

Benefits: Enhances cardiovascular fitness, co-ordination, and teamwork skills.

Why it’s great: Encourages social interaction and strategic thinking.

Gymnastics

Benefits: Builds flexibility, balance, co-ordination, and strength.

Why it’s great: Lays a strong foundation for many other sports and activities.

Cycling

Benefits: Boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens legs, and improves balance.

Why it’s great: Fun for family outings and can transition into lifelong commuting or recreational activity.

Martial arts (karate, judo, taekwondo)

Benefits: Improves self-discipline, focus, co-ordination, and physical fitness.

Why it’s great: Teaches self-defence and instills confidence.

Tennis

Benefits: Develops hand-eye co-ordination, agility, and cardiovascular health.

Why it’s great: Can be played at any age and encourages individual goal setting.

Athletics

Benefits: Builds cardiovascular fitness, speed, and overall strength.

Why it’s great: Wide variety of events allows children to explore their strengths.

Basketball

Benefits: Improves hand-eye co-ordination, teamwork, and cardiovascular fitness.

Why it’s great: Encourages quick thinking and fosters camaraderie.

Dance

Benefits: Enhances flexibility, strength, and rhythm.

Why it’s great: Creative outlet and suitable for all fitness levels.

Climbing (indoor or outdoor)

Benefits: Builds strength, focus, and problem-solving skills.

Why it’s great: Provides a unique challenge and fosters resilience.

Advice from experts is to:

• Let your child’s enthusiasm guide the choice of sport.

• Ensure the activity is enjoyable to foster long-term commitment.

• Let the child try multiple sports to develop a wide range of skills and prevent burnout.

• Tailor the sport to your child’s physical and emotional maturity.

In sum, encouraging regular physical activity from a young age sets the foundation for a long lifetime of health and well-being – and possibly even to elite status.

On a lighter note: Jason, a wealthy but naïve sportsman, now in his 90s, visits his doctor for his annual check-up and confides that he married Louise, a girl in her mid-20s, three months ago.

“It has given me a new lease on life – and in fact she’s pregnant.” 

The doctor being somewhat cynical asks if Jason can be sure he’s the father.

“Of course,” says Jason, “and I’ve changed my will to say that any progeny will equally share my estate with my only son Robert.” 

The doctor, still cynical, asks: “Has anyone stayed with you in the past three months?” 

“Funny you should mention that,” Jason says, “Louise’s twin sister has been staying, and she seems to be pregnant, too.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.