Vince_Condella's Blog

Mortals like me may never understand what keeps a sports warrior going and going, even past retirement.  The recent announcement about Lance Armstrong coming out of retirement to pursue another Tour de France has my head shaking.  Going out on top?  I guess that’s not acceptable these days.  Just ask Michael Jordan or Brett Favre.

My first thought about Armstrong:  does he need the money?  There will be a documentary following his training regimen.  I’m sure there is additional endorsement money and perks along the way.

My second thought:  why is he tempting fate?  He didn’t get caught doping, but can a mere human win seven consecutive Tours without doping?  I’d like to think so, but I doubt it.  Does Lance want to get caught this time?  Or with international cycling so weakened right now, overloaded with doping scandals, perhaps he wants to return and resurrect the sport and prove that he can do it without cheating.

There is no way to know what truly motivates Armstrong.  Afterall, he and Cheryl Crowe split.  And now Kate Hudson?  But I digress.

I just read where Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios has signed another one year contract with the Wings at the age of 46.  This will be his 25th year in the National Hockey League.  He will be the oldest person to play in the NHL besides Gordie Howe.  Chelios has often called himself “a freak of nature”, and he may be correct.

Sports fans everywhere have to admire and stare in wide wonder and some of these elite athletes who keep coming back for more.  Favre’s year is off to a good start.  Let’s hope his comeback story, along with Armstrong’s and Chelios’, has a happy ending.