Age is often considered the biggest barrier in elite sport, especially in a sport where one needs to rely on flexibility, strength, and reflexes. But Nomi Hiyama just proved that passion and perseverance are stronger than time itself. The Japanese gymnast captivated fans and competitors alike at the 2025 All Japan Masters Championships, all at the age of 72. 

Hiyama climbed onto the uneven bars without really jumping onto them. A few turns on the shorter bar, and then she climbed on top of it to shift to the higher bar. The crowd then cheered in chorus when she split her legs and performed a turn, showcasing her grip strength and balance. Finally, she turned once more and performed a pirouette before making a successful landing. 

This performance garnered quite a bit of noise from the audience, as the younger generations came forward to greet the 72-year-old star. ‘Inside Gym’ shared the visuals on Instagram and captioned the post, “❤️ ❤️❤️ How inspiring! A 72 year old gymnast took top honors in her division at the 2025 All Japan Masters Championships. Well done!” Even the NCAA gymnast from the University of Illinois, Samuel Phillips, expressed his amazement. Taking to the comments section, the two-time All-American star wrote, “So awesomeeee ❤️.”

Hiroko Hiyama, Nomi’s daughter, shared an emotional note after her mother’s performance, revealing just how meaningful the moment was for their family. “My main goal was not to injure my mother. From driver to baggage, trainer, supervisor — I did it all. Glad I did it!” she wrote. Her mother’s achievement as the overall winner in the 70s division and 5th place on the floor truly made her proud. She added that the viral support “made the whole venue clap” and proudly noted it was her mother’s 10th win in 13 appearances.

But in case you’re wondering if Nomi Hiyama is the only one who performed at the age when most athletes retired, be ready for a shocker. Germany’s Johanna Quaas entered a competition when she turned 90 years old. 

The 90-year-old who surpassed Nomi Hiyama as the oldest active gymnast

Born in 1925 in Hohenmölsen, Germany, Quaas became a global sensation when she continued competing in artistic gymnastics well into her 90s. Her remarkable longevity earned her a place in the Guinness World Records in 2012, when she was officially recognized as the world’s oldest active competitive gymnast at the age of 86. Far from slowing down, she kept performing at senior meets and exhibitions in Germany into her late 90s, captivating audiences with her grace and strength.

Her routines usually involved the parallel bars and the floor. Videos of her stance at the Cottbus World Cup Gala in 2012 are still viral on the internet. Her competitors were furiously active youngsters with great flexibility and neuromotor coordination. So, did that ever bother her? Well, not really! Talking to Life & Style, Quaas said, “No, that didn’t bother me, but I felt sorry for the gymnasts; they also wanted to crown the champion in their age group.” 

But she had to give up gymnastics when she turned 93. She tore a ligament that rendered her unfit for competition. But her exercise regime is still active. Needless to say, Nomi Hiyama’s inspiring display and Johanna Quaas’ legendary longevity prove that age can’t limit gymnastics. Athletes continue to pursue the sport for life, driven by passion, resilience, and the pure joy of movement.