Venus Williams competes at the 2018 US Open on Aug. 29, 2018 in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
Venus Williams would be 40 by the time she takes the court at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, but not only is the four-time gold medalist up to the challenge, she’s ready for more.
And maybe even taking up a new sport?
“Yes,” Williams said in confirming she would try for a sixth Olympic Games in 2020, before continuing, “and 2024. And (the Olympic Winter Games Beijing) 2022. I'm going to be on the bobsleigh team. I love playing at the Olympics for sure.”
While nobody should start measuring Williams for a bobsled suit quite yet, nobody should count her out for Tokyo. Williams has medaled at all but one of the Olympic Games in which she has competed. Williams owns one singles gold medal from 2000, three doubles gold medals with sister Serena from 2000, 2008 and 2012, and a silver mixed doubles medal from 2016 with partner Rajeev Ram.
Williams would become the first tennis player, male or female, to compete in six Olympic Games, should she make it to Tokyo. With another medal, Williams would break the all-time record that she currently shares with Great Britain’s Kathleen McKane Godfree.
Williams is currently the 37th-ranked singles player in the WTA rankings. The first Grand Slam event on the year is the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 14.
Todd Kortemeier is a sportswriter, editor and children’s book author from Minneapolis. He is a contributor to TeamUSA.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
