4th Quarter Athletes
David Burnett
As they enter the fourth quarter of their lives, thousands of senior athletes have either continued lifelong athletic pursuits or returned to sport after years of inactivity. While the minimum age for competition is 50, most participants are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, with many competing well into their 90s and even approaching 100.
From track and field to volleyball and basketball, the energy and enthusiasm these athletes bring to competition is remarkable. Their presence is a powerful reminder that returning to sport does not require youth—only determination.
David Burnett is an award-winning American photojournalist whose work has documented history for over fifty years. Co-founder of Contact Press Images, he has covered the Vietnam War, the Iranian Revolution, every U.S. president since Kennedy, and every Summer Olympics since 1984. Known for his unique use of classic and modern cameras, Burnett’s images are artistically striking and historically significant. He has received the Robert Capa Gold Medal, World Press Photo of the Year, and numerous lifetime achievement honours, and his books and exhibitions continue to shape the field of visual