Will Lambiel Come Back Too? What Do You Think?

by LauraS on May 21, 2009 8:17 AM EDT Comment 6 comments

For a few months I've noticed little hints here and there (that I just chalked up to hopeful fans) that former World Champ Stephane Lambiel, who retired last fall, wants to stage a comeback as well. Icenetwork snuck in at the of the Plushenko comeback article that Plushenko expects Lambiel to come back as well. At first, I would ask why Lambiel staged such a public retirement in fall of 2008 if he was only going to come back a year later to try to make the Olympics. But, I have seen many high profile athletes stage very public retirements, only to come back (Roger Clemens, Brett Favre...not sure if Lance Armstrong every officially retired but he took a long break). I think that there must be something about the competitive nature of these athletes that makes them unable to resist the pull of the game (or rink?), especially if they deem themselves still competitive. Still, retirements are rarer in skating than in other sports, where athletes like Michelle Kwan often stop competing but don't officially retire. So, I'll be surprised if Lambiel comes back for real.

0 recs | Comment 6 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I’d rather see Lambiel come back rather than Plushenko. His announcement just seems so… Greedy.

by Katrina on May 21, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

it would be divine indeed, if his body can hold up! his last worlds were quite messy, and due to injury, i imagine. stylistically/artistically, only takahashi can beat him.

by jumping clapping man on May 21, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

I’d be ecstatic if Lambiel really does return! I love his skating…fell in love with him way back in 2002 at Europeans. He did this fun program to Cirque du Soleil. It was imaginative and different and brilliant.

Should he make his comeback, wonder if he still plans to train with Viktor Petrenko in New Jersey…that was the plan just before the retirement…

And Mr. Jumping Clapping Man…I disagree that Takahashi is the only one who could beat him artistically…I’d throw out the names Chan and Abbott to counter. Did we just come up with our first topic for ‘Dueling Critics?’

by Aaron on May 21, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

AH TAKAHASHI I cannot wait to see him this season. If Lambiel comes back too it will be just like a big old reunion, and I’d love to see them compete against the skaters who have made a rise since last year (like Chan and Abbott) also the oldies but goodies like Weir and Lysacek. YAY. You guys should do a vlog debate.

by Laura on May 21, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions

Let’s just say it’s ‘In production.’

And what’s with the coaching changes?!?!?!

by Aaron on May 23, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

First time to post to the blog. I ran across this while looking for news about Michelle Kwan’s decision to return to skating for the 2010 season. I prefer Lambiel to Joubert. I think he’s more artistically inclined. I agree that Chan and Abbott are definately in a higher eschelon of male skaters at this point in time, as well as Weir and Lysachek— who he’ll have to match or best if he wants to medal in Vancouver. Is Dice coming back? I think we’re starting to see the effects of the quad jump on skater’s bones and joints (which is why I believe Buttle retired). If Lambiel returns it will make the mix much more interesting that’s for sure.

by Zealot on Jun 1, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

Required Elements: An SB Nation Community

Network Bar

Required Elements -

The Figure Skating Blog with the News You Need