In this article about Michael Phelps retiring at 27, why does the author act like 30 is horribly old?

by Sarah Cady
Question by Mr. Joekzalott™: In this report about Michael Phelps retiring at 27, why does the author act like 30 is horribly old?
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Michael-Phelps-hits-Vancouver-says-London-will-?urn=oly,220797

It's like as soon as you turn 30 (esp. in the world of sports), your life is accomplished. This is the 21st century. Has no one ever heard of the phrase, "30 is the new 20"? Michael Jordan retired for the THIRD time

Michael Phelps Diet