Justine Henin recently announced her plans to return to the game of tennis at the age of 27, following a year of “recharging the batteries.” Kim Clijsters left tennis to become a wife and mother, only to return to the game two years later and win the 2009 US Open. Quarterback Brett Favre retired, returned, retired, returned… well- you know the saga. Also, who can forget the roller coaster that was Michael Jordan- two retirements, two returns? Why can’t athletes, like business professionals, just make one retirement decision and stick with it?Well, I believe I happen to know the answer to this one. For many, sports are to be enjoyed on the couch, sideline, or luxury box. For the lucky, sports are enjoyed on the field, court, ice, pool, or any other arena. For those lucky few, your sport is part of your DNA- it’s in your blood, it's part of who you are, it makes you tick, and you depend on your teammates and the feelings you get from your sport for your very survival.
Sure- sometimes returning to athletic competition after a break from rigorous training shows in lackluster performances, but sometimes talent can mask this time off. Unfortunately, though, sometimes all the talent in the world can help old age or waning ability.
However, sometimes a break is just what an athlete needs; time to get away from the stress of the day to day, a prolonged timeout-if you will. The break often reinvigorates the athlete’s desire, and reminds them what they truly love about the sport itself.
I believe if an athlete needs one more season, a few more tournaments, or whatever it may be to come to terms with being done with their sport- I completely understand. Sometimes age is just a number people use to label an athlete, but they still have the agility and ability to run with the best of them. Brett Favre, anyone? In two weeks he will celebrate his 40th birthday, and through two games this season he’s statistically the third ranked QB in the NFL in completions and yardage… not too shabby, I'd say!
In your opinion, are fickle, indecisive retirements understandable or irritating?
I don't have a problem with athletes coming out of retirement; they should be allowed to compete for as long as they have the desire and skills. I am sick of the saga of Brett though. Quaterback is a leadership position and skipping training camp doesn't make him a leader in my opinion. He is lucky Adrian Peterson will carry that team and make him look good.
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