I think about making a comeback every single day. I went running, I went training, did that for a few days. But my body couldn't handle it.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I was making comebacks every single year. That makes it difficult mentally. It causes a lot of stress.
I had to develop the mentality and stay positive about making my comeback.
For some reason, every time I peak in my career, I injure myself. So, I'm constantly on the comeback trail.
I do an hour's yoga and go running every day. Then I see a picture of myself and I still look like a skinny, potbellied idiot - and I thought I had turned into this superhunk!
As athletes, we love to say, 'Just one more; I'm going to figure it out on this next one.' It's tough to pull back the reins and do what is smart physically, listening to your body and always ending a workout or session feeling like I could have done more.
Looking back, yes, I made too many comebacks. But each comeback I was 100 percent sure that I would win. I never came back for the money, because I didn't need it. The adulation I was getting anyway in other spheres. But I'm a guy who likes to see how close he can get to the edge of the mountain - that's what makes me tick.
My comeback was not about winning or losing; it was about the feeling of being able to compete at top level again.
By making a comeback, I'm changing the attitude of people toward me. If I'd known that people would react so enthusiastically, I'd have done it years ago.
This last year I kind of stopped working out. I think my body just needed a break. And so I did that, and focused more on feeling good as opposed to beating myself up.
It was probably right after I made my comeback - after retiring post-2008 Olympics - when I finally felt more at ease with my body. Being away from the sport helped put things in perspective.