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Boris Becker, LeBron James, Dan Marino, Jim Ryun and Usain Bolt were/are world class competitors at relatively young ages, if one buys the notion that most men don't reach "full physical maturity" until age 26 or so. This is not to imply that they didn't become stronger, or fill out some, but they were already at the top of their disciplines. The same might be said of Bobby Orr, Tiger Woods, Mike Tyson and Ken Griffey, Jr. That is rare in men. Tiger has put on some weight though.
Compare that to a Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali, whose physique changed significantly from the date of his pro debut (probably weighed 188, had fought light-heavy in the Rome Games) to the first Liston bout four years later (210 lbs.). Voice even became deeper. Look at pics of Michael Jordan as a rookie, and those of him in his mid-30's. Do the same for Wilt (gangly rookie, barrel-chested veteran). It seems some athletes like Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Tyson, LBJ (James) are muscularly mature by 19-21- which figures in their performances. When do you think Bolt will "peak" (in performance), judging from the history of 100 and 200m men?
Compare that to a Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali, whose physique changed significantly from the date of his pro debut (probably weighed 188, had fought light-heavy in the Rome Games) to the first Liston bout four years later (210 lbs.). Voice even became deeper. Look at pics of Michael Jordan as a rookie, and those of him in his mid-30's. Do the same for Wilt (gangly rookie, barrel-chested veteran). It seems some athletes like Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Tyson, LBJ (James) are muscularly mature by 19-21- which figures in their performances. When do you think Bolt will "peak" (in performance), judging from the history of 100 and 200m men?
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