Report launch – A marathon or a sprint: Do elite-level athletes live longer than average?

Date: Wednesday 19 April 2023

Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm (BST)

Location: Virtual

The usual assumption is that sport is good for your health but does it mean longer lives? In our previous research, we showed that sports such as tennis and golf could boost lifespan. Our new research investigates the longevity of elite athletes that have won medals at the Commonwealth Games, starting with the inaugural games in 1930.

We already know that participation in sports has many advantages throughout one’s life and has a positive influence on the development of younger generations and encourages leadership qualities. However, the evidence base linking to lifespan athletics and related events is lacking.

At this report launch webinar, we will be sharing new findings on the longevity of elite-level athletes, supported by Bayes Business School.

Speakers include:

  • Gemma Curtis, Strategic Lead – Physical Activity for Health, London Sport
  • Sharron Davies MBE, British Swimmer, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist
  • Prof Les Mayhew, Associate Head of Global Research, ILC-UK
  • Dr Dion Neame, North American Senior Medical Expert – Vaccines, Sanofi
  • Scott Reid, Deputy Chair of Diabetes Working Party, Member of Health and Care Board, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA)
  • Brian Whittle MSP, British athlete and politician