TOKOROZAWA, Saitama Pref. -- Some things are inevitable: political scandals in election years, bad hair days, predictable plots in action-movie sequels.

And don't forget this: Athletes finding themselves at a crossroads at age 30.

Many pros begin to decline as their physical skills erode. Or, they prolong their career by learning how to better use their talents in competition and manage their time away from the spotlight.