Newmann: A league of her own
“You’ve got to love what you’re doing. If you love it, you can overcome any handicap or the soreness or all the aches and pains and continue to play for a long, long time.” — Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wing’s Hall-of-Fame right wing
Howe, one of the most prolific scorers in National Hockey League history, started his NHL career with the Red Wings in 1946 and finally finished his time in the NHL with the Hartford Whalers in 1980. He was 52. He initially retired from the Red Wings in 1971 at age 43, then came back to the ice two years later to play with his two sons for the World Hockey Association Houston Aeros. During his six years with the Aeros, he scored over 100 points in two of the seasons and was named MVP of the league in 1974.
Howe undoubtedly had his share of critics and pundits who urged him to hang up his skates after his first “retirement” and who were dismayed when he kept unretiring. But, as Howe noted, “if you love it, you can overcome any handicap.” And he proved his point by playing at an elite level for a long, long time.
Very few folks really understand the mentality, the drive and the desire of elite athletes. But the critics and the pundits abound. And they’re generally happy to voice — and share — their opinions based on their own conjectures:
“He’s too old.”
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“She should have won.”
“He’s not what he used to be.”
“She should quit while she’s ahead.”
The last quote could easily sum up the thoughts of many folks on the return of Lindsey Vonn to World Cup ski racing. Vonn, who recorded 82 wins — primarily in speed events — during her World Cup career retired in 2019 after her right knee virtually gave out.
She spent five years away from the circuit. Then, this past April, she had a partial knee replacement. And now she’s back on the World Cup tour. At 40 years old. She started her first race, a super-G in St. Moritz, Switzerland, last weekend as the 31st competitor on the start list. When she pushed out of the start gate, the course was in less-than-ideal condition. Lots of ruts and bumps.
She took a conservative line on the top and then opened up her speed as she progressed down the course. She finished 14th. It seemed like quite an amazing first run for someone who had been away from ski racing for the last five or so years. And one who has a titanium knee.
But why go back to hurtling down an icy slope at warp speeds when there seems to be no need to prove oneself? Vonn has parlayed her on-hill success into success in other ventures. She appears to have a comfortable lifestyle. And she doesn’t need the additional fame.
Perhaps, much like Gordie Howe, she is driven by a love for her sport … and an intense inner determination that many of us do not have. And cannot understand.
She’s also, for the first time in many years, pain-free. And maybe the feeling of being able to do what you love, without the former aches and pains, is motivating. Or even compelling.
One has to hope that she can continue on her quest for a long, long time.
Or for however long she desires.