Three athletes in Northern Ireland have achieved high-level success after taking up new sports later in life.

Stanley Hamilton, 47, began arm wrestling in his 40s after more than two decades of rugby left him with injuries. He said he needed something low impact. He trained for five months before his first competition and was British novice champion by the end of his first year. He has since won three world championship medals: bronze with his left arm and silver with his right in 2022, and another silver in 2023.

Judith Storm, 39, won the Dublin Marathon as the fastest female Irish finisher. She represents City of Derry Spartans Athletics Club. She started running during the Covid-19 pandemic after having triplets. Four years ago she ran her first race. She said she did not do much exercise until her 30s. She wants to encourage other women, especially mothers, to make time for themselves. She said running is her time and makes her a more patient and better mother.

Sarah McMillan of Bangor began roller derby at age 33 and still plays in her 50s. Roller derby is a full-contact sport on skates. She had previously tried hockey and running but did not find them exciting. She has represented Team Ireland at two Roller Derby World Cups and hopes to play in next autumn's European Roller Derby Cup. She said mature athletes have an advantage because their head is in the right place.

Dr Gavin Breslin, a sport and exercise psychologist at Queen's University Belfast, says childhood experiences influence later activity choices. If people are rewarded, they are more likely to continue. But finding an enjoyable activity later in life helps motivation. Feeling competent is a key factor that keeps people going, as it meets a basic psychological need.

All three athletes encourage others to try new sports regardless of age. Hamilton said nobody starts as a champion and not to be afraid to be useless. Storm said it is never too late to start something new and nothing is impossible. McMillan said to give it a go and put yourself out there.