Venus Williams, 45, Defies Age, Sets Sights on Historic 2028 Olympic Bid

Even at 45, Venus Williams continues to pursue ambitious goals in her tennis career, with her eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While many are surprised that an athlete of her age can still compete with such energy and determination, Venus herself refuses to see age as a limitation. Should she play at 48, she would likely set a record. Speaking to Parade, she said, "I'm just constantly praying for good health, so that way I could have an opportunity to play with good health."

If she achieves this feat, Venus would surpass the long-standing record of fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova. Reflecting on the journey ahead, she acknowledged, "I would need to keep the necessary motivation to stay on the court for that long, but we'll see. Nothing is impossible." Her career has been defined not just by triumphs on the court, but by resilience in the face of health challenges, including uterine fibroids, surgeries, and long recoveries. Returning to competitive tennis just a year after surgery, she has continued to inspire generations of athletes.

In a candid interview with TODAY, Venus revealed the struggles she faced: "It just got too bad, and I couldn't handle it. (I started) taking something a lot stronger that was prescription, which is not ideal because it's hard to train on that or be in your right mind. No one should have to go through this." Yet, she bounced back, returning to the tour in Washington, D.C., and also competing in Cincinnati and the US Open. While her results have been mixed, the sheer determination to compete at such a high level after years of challenges speaks volumes about her drive.

The Olympic Dream

Venus holds a distinguished Olympic record, having already won four gold medals and one silver across five Olympic appearances from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016. She became the oldest woman to win a WTA-level singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. Competing in Los Angeles would not only be a homecoming but also an opportunity to further cement her legendary status in the sport.

The question remains whether she can maintain her health and motivation over the next three years. Yet, in an era where athletes like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are redefining the boundaries of age in tennis, Venus is far from finished. The path to LA 2028 will undoubtedly be challenging, but if she continues to defy the odds as she has throughout her career, an Olympic appearance—and perhaps even more medals—could be well within reach.