World's oldest competitive tennis player, 101-year-old Aussie Henry Young reveals secret to long life

Henry Young doesn’t feel like a centenarian and now the international tennis legend is revealing his little secret to a long, strong life.

Henry Young became the world's oldest competitive tennis player in October 2023. Picture: Supplied / International Tennis Federation

At 101 years old, Aussie tennis legend Henry Young isn’t winding down — he’s warming up.

The Adelaide centenarian, who is currently training for a seniors’ tournament in Croatia later this year, credits one very simple secret for keeping him match fit: milk.

“I’ve been drinking milk for as long as I can remember – so nearly a whole century now,” Mr Young said.

“It’s just part of life. I have it with breakfast, in tea, sometimes warmed up before bed.”

101-year-old dairy enthusiast and competitive tennis player Henry Young swears milk is the holy grail to a healthy, long life. Picture: Tim Joy

These days, he’s putting away six litres a week — that’s nearly a litre a day — as part of his long-time health routine.

“It keeps my bones strong, gives me energy, and fits into that healthy routine I’ve had all my life,” he said.

“I don’t feel 101 – I’m still out on the court a few times a week.

“Milk’s definitely one of my little secrets to a long, strong life — along with keeping moving and staying competitive.”

Adelaide tennis legend Henry Young with his Ukrainian opponent Leonid Stanislavskyi ahead of the 2023 Australian Open. Picture: Tennis Australia/ Fiona Hamilton

Mr Young — a former WWII fighter pilot and the first 100-year-old to compete at the ITF Masters World Individual Championships in 2023 — shows no signs of slowing down.

He will say cheers on Sunday for World Milk Day, celebrating alongside Dairy Australia which is reminding Aussies milk is more than a nutritious drink but a feel-good staple for all ages.

Mr Young fuels his tennis training with a fridge full of milk. Picture: Tim Joy

Lieutenant Young was a WWII fighter pilot in his earlier years. Picture: Supplied

“Milk is packed with more than 10 essential vitamins and minerals,” Dairy Australia dietitian Kristina Gorgievska said.

“It’s a natural wholefood that supports active, healthy lifestyles — from school kids to seniors like Henry.”