Well, since it is not uncommon for females to peak at 16, the age curve for the typical female is different than that for males. And, if the gals she was competing against worked this hard for life, then they would have the training background to beat them. I think she is doing very well at DIII because at age 19 to 22 she could have been doing pretty well at DI. She's better because she's better, not because she is older (but despite that she is older).
brabrab wrote:
Regardless of how many babies you decide to crap out, it's pretty clear that 27-year-olds have higher levels of natural endurance than 21-year-olds.
Sure, raising kids is a lot of work. But look at Wesley Korir. He was a janitor who worked on his feet all day and still managed to be one of the best marathoners in the world.
My point is this: Yeah, it's probably tough to run fast after having and raising kids. But it's definitely possible, so their should be some kind of rule in place to even the playing field.
I don't know enough of the science behind it to make that rule myself. But my gut is telling me that 27 is over the limit.