Normally the average person retires when they can afford to or just have no choice when they reach a certain age. Sportsmen it is different though as many try and continue past their sell by date.
A true champion goes out at the top on his or her terms and that is how they are remembered. It is sad seeing someone who is half the person they were continuing when everyone can see it is not the same.
Living in the limelight looking for accolades that have long gone is what it is about. For some it is the money but for most it is not being able to face up to reality. This is more common than you might think as most try to cling on to something they once had. Their ego gets in the way and they can't see what is unfolding around them.
We can all think of different sports personalities who went on a little too long for whatever reason. For most it is not money, but more to do with personal goals and glory. Not knowing when to quit is a huge problem that most can't bear to face. I know one ex rugby player who won the World Cup and he said to me the hardest thing to deal with is not the playing anymore, but the buzz he got from the crowds.
Sugar Ray Leonard was a prime example coming out of retirement not once, but 3 times. His last fight he was knocked out and suffered an injury to his eye socket. That fight is the last time his fans will remember him by. Maybe it was money that drove him to do it for one last payday or was it a shot at more glory?
Most football players end up in their twilight of their careers in the MLS league in the States instead of hanging up their boots going out at the top. I suppose the lucky ones have the choice taken away from them by not having their contract renewed and means they have gone on a bit too long.
There are the total opposites who retire way too early and can recall Bjorn Borg who in his prime walked away from it all. He was just 26 and still winning tournaments. He still had a good 4 or 5 years left in him, but hated the limelight and the press. Not many people know this but Bjorn tried a comeback in 1991 and failed not winning a set in any of his games.
