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Hi Susie - I am also 46 years old and was diagnosed 7 years ago but have had symptoms for about 13 years. I wouldn't really call myself an "athlete" but I do play tennis and have since before the Parkinson's symptoms started. I'm not saying I was Wimbledon material or anything but I'm sure I could've gotten a lot better at it than I am now if it wasn't for the Parkinson's. I have lots of "off and on" times all through the day that go from very rigid to uncontrollable movements so my tennis game varies according to how I feel at the moment. Every once in a while I have a day when I feel completely "normal" during the time I'm playing tennis and it's the greatest feeling. Fortunately I have a wonderful group of women I play with who understand what I go through, get my pills if I need them, etc. I did fall once on the court and needed stitches to my face since I wasn't able to get my arms out fast enough to catch my fall. I don't know if any of this information helped you, but I plan to continue playing tennis as long as I can. I also walk but not alone - either my husband, my dog or both go with me so if I freeze up they can pull me along! Debby