Non-sports (eg. shooting) - yes.
Sports which require physical conditioning, but not much technique (eg. running) - yes (maybe not Olympic, but perhaps national level, depending on the country).
If you've been successful in one sport, it's also often possible to switch to a different sport, if the skills are transferable.
If you have exceptional physical assets, that also helps a great deal. For example, in the run-up to the London Olympics, team GB had the "Sporting Giants" programme - any reasonably sporty person over 6'3" (5'11" for women) could apply, and from the 4800 people that did, a small number were chosen and trained in sports such as rowing , volleyball and handball, where size is a big advantage - 10 of them represented GB in London, and 2 won medals (incl. gold in rowing).
In most cases though, you really do need to start early to have any chance of success - bear in mind the chances of someone becoming a professional athlete are already *extremely* slim, even if they do start young.
Having said that, it's never too late to take up a sport as a hobby - and it's pretty sad if you can't enjoy something without the promise of fame and fortune.
Depends on the sport. For example, football players can learn the playbook at any age and as long as they are very fit they can play. Baseball players on the other hand, have to start at a young age or else all of their motions will develop incorrectly and it's very difficult to fix them, just being physically fit won't make you good.
Start early is the key these days because you are competing with Japanese parents who give their 4 year olds lessons from retired Olympians.
Opinion
1Opinion
Look at Tom Brady. He just played in yet another Super Bowl AND WON! and is still regarded by most fans as the best quarterback in the league. he's 43 and his contract won't run out until he turns 45. He has in him at least one more decent season and perhaps more than that and Tampa may become a member of an elite exclusive club of teams who have won back-to-back Super Bowls. In 1908 Oscar Swahn won two Olympic gold medals at the age of 60 and remains the oldest person to be awarded a gold medal at an Olympiad. ADolpho Luque was the oldest pitcher to win a World Series, he was in his 40's at the time. More than 30 NBA players have continued to play into their 40's. Currently there are four NHL hockey players in their 40's. Carlos Lopes was the oldest man to ever win an Olympic Marathon at 37. Bernard Lagat is an Olympic marathon runner and will be competing in the next Olympics (hopefully this summer) and is 43. Firman Lambot was the oldest man to win the Tour de France at 36. Billy Shoemaker won the Kentucky Derby in 1986 ag age 54 making him the oldest Jockey to do so. Roger Federer was a month shy of 3 when he won At Wimbledon. Jim Morris was 35 when he played in his Rookie year for the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999. Satchel Paige was 59 when he played his last major league baseball game. George Blanda played in the NFL at 48. Nat Hickey was 45 when he played in the NBA. Gordie Howe was still playing in the NHL at 52. George Foreman was 45 when he became the heavyweight Champion boxer beating out an opponent who was 26. OK so you get the idea.
The only opinion from girls was selected the Most Helpful Opinion, but you can still contribute by sharing an opinion!
You can also add your opinion below!
Most Helpful Opinions