The Examiner
2008-07-09 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

U.S. swimmer Dara Torres is the latest athlete to prove that 40 is the new 30 as the 41-year-old qualified for her record fifth summer Olympics during last week's trials in Omaha, Neb. In honor of her accomplishment “Hot Read” will take a look at five “geriatric” athletes who have defied Father Time.

1. Jack Nicklaus, golfer: Before there was Tiger, there was the “Golden Bear.” Many people watched in amazement last month as Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open — his 14th major tournament— on a bum knee. But just a spectacular was Nicklaus, who won his record 18th major at the age of 46 when he won the Masters in 1986.

2. George Foreman, boxer: Before becoming famous for grilling and naming his children, George, Foreman was a pretty good boxer. In 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman proved he still had a few punches left in him as he knocked out Michael Moorer to win the IBF and WBA titles to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all times.

3. Cal Ripken Jr., baseball: The Iron Man was at the end career in 2001 when he made his final All-Star Game appearance. It was a memorable event as Alex Rodriguez stepped aside at shortstop so the pride of Aberdeen could play one more time at the position he redefined. But the highlight of that day was when Ripken drove a Chan Ho Park pitch deep into the Safeco Field stands in Seattle. Ripken was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

4. Nolan Ryan, pitcher: The Hall of Famer is baseball's all-time strike out king with 5,714 Ks. He also has seven no-hitters to his resume, the last of which came in 1991 at age 44. Ryan also was one of the toughest players ever to take the mound and could have given Moorer a run in the ring as well. Just ask Robin Ventura.

5. Ric Flair, professional wrestling: OK, so the results are predetermined. But, there is no denying the athletic ability of the “Nature Boy” who survived a plane crash in 1975 to go on to have one of the greatest wrasslin' careers ever. The 59-year-old, 16-time world champion laced up the boots for the last time March 30 when he lost to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV, capping a 36-year career. Here's to you “Naitch” Whooooo!!!!

WHAT WE LIKED: The Milwaukee Brewers trading for CC “don't call me C.C.” Sabathia. The Brew Crew is right in the mix of the N.L. Central and wild card races. Milwaukee doesn’t have the payroll of the Yankees or the Red Sox, so it was refreshing to see the Brewers taking a chance on a player they won’t likely be able to sign to a long-term deal.

WHAT WE DON'T LIKE: Same as above. The Brewers are putting all of their eggs into the CC basket. Unlike some of the large market teams, the Brewers don't have any room for error. And if the Brewers fail to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982, they may have set themselves back for the next several years.

STARS OF THE DAY: TONY GONZALEZ

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end saved a man's life last Thursday when he performed the Heimlich maneuver. Gonzalez was eating dinner at restaurant in Huntington Beach, Calif., when the man began choking. Now, if only he could stop the Chiefs from choking on the field.

DONKEY OF THE DAY: BRETT FAVRE

Either retire or comeback already. With reports circulating the Green Bay Packer quarterback plans on asking to be removed from the NFL's retired list, Favre is making a mockery out of all the tributes that he received after announcing he was walking away from his Hall of Fame career. Heir apparent Aaron Rodgers also can't be happy as he plans on being the starter in Green Bay this fall. Don't get any bright ideas, Ravens.

-Compiled by the Baltimore Examiner sports staff