To an Athlete Dying Young

The speaker of this poem (who may or may not speak for the poet) suggests that it is better to die young than to live and see one’s glory fade. Whether or not we agree with this view, it is true that records get broken, athletes age and lose their edge, and admirers forget one’s accomplishments with the passage of time. What advice would you give to a younger brother or sister who is pinning all of his or her hopes on becoming a star athlete and giving no thought to the rest of life? Put your answer in the form of a letter.