Some might think that the Olympics are just a young man or woman's games but tell that to 71-year-old Hiroshi Hoketsu.

Japan's entry in the equestrian dressage competition isn't just the oldest competitor to compete in this year's Summer Games. He's also the oldest competitor to compete in the Olympics in the last 92 years, according to Yahoo! Sports. Hoketsu and his horse Whisper are scheduled to compete on Thursday in the individual category.

Hoketsu said this is his third time competiting in the Olympiad. His first dates back to the 1964 Summer Games in his native Tokyo as a show jumper. He went back to work after placing 40th but following his retirement, he got the urge to compete once again and returned to astound his critics by qualifying for the Beijing Games and again this year in London.

He also said he has found the secret to living a happy and healthy life. "I eat what I want to eat and drink as much as I want to drink. People might expect that I am able to participate for so long because I have special habits. But my secret is to have a good life, enjoy yourself, and do the things that make you happy."

That is so inspiring. The next time my doctor tells me to cut back on the cheese fries and beer, I'm just going to put up my hand and tell him, "No, Japan's dressage champion says you're wrong."

Photo: Mike Clarke/AFP/Getty Images