Early and extraordinary peaks in physical performance come with a longevity cost

Life history theory postulates a trade‐off between development and maintenance. This trade‐off is observed when comparing life histories of different animal species. In humans, however, it is debated if variation in longevity is explained by differences in developmental traits. Observational studies found a trade‐off between early and high fecundity and longevity in women. Development encompasses more than fecundity and also concerns growth and physical performance. Here, we show a life history trade‐off between early and above average physical performance and longevity in male Olympic athletes. Athletes who peaked at an earlier age showed 17‐percent increased mortality rates (95% CI 8‐26% per SD, p