The Op-Ed: The Comeback

This Olympic turn has had one of the biggest comeback swings since like 1994. And even then, it was only because the ISU felt generous enough to allow pros to comeback because they stuck in an extra Winter Olympics to begin alternating them between Summer and Winter.

First it was Sasha, then Plushenko followed quickly by Shen and Zhao. Now it's Lambiel.

We're still holding on the line for Kwan...

I for one also think Buttle should consider...but I digress.

And more so than the fact that lots of skaters have decided to 'give it another go,' they're all previous Olympic medalist...like 'the cream of the crop!'

Many have expressed their feelings that they believe these skaters have had their turn...their 'shot,' and now it's time for them to step aside and let the skaters who've been working at this for the last four years have their 'time to shine.'

A part of me feels that way. I think it's the part of me that doesn't want to see, for example, a devastated Caroline Zhang finishing third at Nationals and missing the Olympic Team to a skater that's been twice before, such as Cohen. The thought of someone missing out on their dream kind of breaks my heart.

However, a much larger part of me, thinks that figure skating is sport, and to be the best you have to compete against the best. I tend to think that having these guys comeback will make those who are currently competing up their ante. And if the comeback class of 2010 is fit and ready to compete, why shouldn't they go to the Olympics? Isn't the Olympics supposed to be the very best...the pinnacle of sport?

So I say, if they want to comeback...comeback! If you can be physically ready to compete with the best...bring it (sorry...I couldn't resist)! I for one can't wait to see the clash between today's champs and yesterday's biggest stars.

May the best one win!