The art of quitting while you’re ahead
It’s never easy to know when to leave a party. It might be boring now but what if it gets better? What if the DJ finds the zone and you rise to the challenge? Maybe your old moves have made a comeback since your last dancefloor failure? Maybe you’ve still got one more big night in you? Maybe you should do some stretches just in case…
It’s called FOMO these days; fear of missing out. Does the same thing happen to athletes? When do you know the time has come? When I heard Cantab stalwart Wyatt Crockett was going to finally give his cauliflower ears the rest they desperately need I thought; is the body done, has he lost his mojo or was he pushed? Or did he get the same letter Sonny Bill didn’t get?
What was that SBW fuss about?!? Whispers out of Aussie, which were more like loud ‘this is definitely happening’ reports, that the man built like a human-sized pizza slice was heading back to league. Apparently he wasn’t in Hansen’s 2019 World Cup plan and yet SBW says he’s up for another WC‘god willing’. I can’t see Hansen making a call this far out with so many injuries still to come. But even if he did miss out on the ABs, I can’t imagine he’ll join Key and Obama on the golf course. He’ll either head back to league after that, target the next winter Olympics, climb Everest or secure peace in Palestine.
Liam Malone’s career was just getting started when the gold medal para-athlete decided to quit and start a career in AI. Just another gutsy move in a long line of stomach acrobatics from the 24-year-old. The temptation to see how far he could’ve gone must’ve been immense. Like all of us mortals, an athlete’s self-worth depends on achievements. Take the sport away and they don’t know who they are anymore. Like Mike Hosking, without hair product, they lose their identity. And yet Malone seems to be just getting comfy in his.
Then again he might do a
Michael Jordan, who was never going to stay on the couch for long. When you’re the greatest basketball player of all time, it’s hard to know what else could give you that same adrenalin surge. And how else are you going to get through all those free sneakers? Considering how many trophies he won multiple times in a row, it’s no surprise he also had three retirements. The man just didn’t know when to quit.
For some there’s no better time to leave at top. F1 driver Nico Rosberg retired just days after winning his first world championship. Lennox Lewis was one of only four boxers to end his career as world champion, although being punched in the head for a living must’ve made the decision slightly easier. Maybe Laura Langman felt the same way after being barred by Netball NZ when she crossed the Tasman to play in Oz. An olive branch was eventually offered, but the dynamic centre’s arms weren’t long enough to reach down into the pit of despair.
Leaving on your own terms is a bonus. Crockett has retired his All Black jersey but his ears will have to continue to take the hits while the rest of his body attempts to get through another Super season and two years with Tasman. Fellow forward Jamie Heaslip, he’s getting out before he has to crawl out - the former Ireland rugby captain’s back is no longer playing ball and he finally gave in this week.
In many ways it takes more courage to quit when you are the centre of attention on the dancefloor. The thought that it could get better has tempted all of us, unless you’re a Wellington Phoenix supporter then you’ve probably said your goodbyes and hopped in the taxi.
Usain Bolt was slowing down but now he’s stated he wants to be a professional footballer which is strange for a man used to staying on his feet. But whatever happens he can just do his pose and we’ll forgive him. He’s Elvis without the rhinestones.
Not all have a choice. An athlete can sacrifice their life and sanity for the love of their sport and only have bad feet and a few certificates to show for it.
That’s why I think the Scottish rugby team should retire now. Laddies, it will never get any better than beating the William Wallacetorturing, Mary Queen of Scots killing English b.....ds. Grab a beer and head to the stands. You’ve earned it.