Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 12:46 am GMT
Venus Williams, at 44 years old, has expressed her determination to continue playing tennis as a means to maintain her health and combat the aging process. As a celebrated athlete with a storied career that includes seven Grand Slam titles, she emphasizes not just physical fitness but also mental resilience in her life and sports career.
In a recent interview, Williams stated that playing tennis allows her to “look good” while helping her stay fit. She highlighted the importance of exercise in maintaining a youthful appearance, specifically noting that tennis is excellent for developing strong legs and arms. Williams remarked, “If you want to look good, play tennis. It doesn’t look like work but it’s exhausting.”
Although she acknowledges moments of needing a break from her rigorous schedule, she stresses the significance of rest for overall wellbeing. Regular physical activity, including weight training and swimming in an Olympic-size pool near her home, plays a central role in her fitness regimen.
Williams also opened up about her personal health challenges, particularly her battle with Sjögren’s syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. This autoimmune condition has greatly influenced her approach to fitness and health, prompting her to adopt a plant-based and sugar-free diet. She describes how managing the disease has necessitated a shift in her lifestyle, one that she navigates with the strength and resilience she has honed through her athletic career.
Living with Sjögren’s syndrome has been a transformative experience for Williams, allowing her to learn vital lessons about her body and what it needs to thrive. Throughout her journey, she has emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, stating, “Being mentally strong is so important.” She believes that her athletic background has equipped her to handle life’s pressures, underscoring that such strength extends beyond the realm of sports.
As she continues to balance her life as a professional athlete with her business ventures, including her interior design company and a line of plant-based products, Williams remains dedicated to her health and fitness. She plans to keep playing tennis as long as she is physically able, asserting, “I will do that as long as I have cartilage.”
Venus Williams shows us that staying active and facing challenges, both in our bodies and minds, can really help us stay healthy and full of energy as we get older.
