CANOE -- SLAM! Sports Comment

The first is populated with tragic figures such as Brian Piccolo, Reggie Lewis and Lou Gehrig -- athletes who never recovered from the ailments which struck them down in the prime of their careers. They will remain forever young in the memories of sports fans ... sad reminders that, sometimes, no amount of fame, vitality or athletic prowess can alter fate's cruel plan.

But there is also a second list, one which contains the names of sports stars who managed to battle back from life-threatening illness. Whether because of good treatment, a good attitude or good luck, their careers didn't end on the day they were diagnosed. They vanquished their afflictions and returned -- better than ever, in some cases -- to the field of play.

Do you have a favourite sports comeback story, in which the athlete returned to play professionally or otherwise? Tell us your athlete that battled back.

YOU SAID

18 Comments

Though it does not even come close to Koivu or some of the other ones listed here, Gary Roberts made a pretty impressive comeback from neck injuries and has stuck around for a while
Ben, 2007-10-19 13:53:40

Another is the great Ben Hogan who was told he'd never walk again after a horrific car accident, then cameback to win the U.S., British Opens and the Masters in the same year
Mike C, 2007-10-17 14:41:52

ARMSTRONG??????Yes he came back but how much was aided by performance drugs. Drop him AND Johnson and add Koivu and Wilma Rudolph. The U.S.sprinter who came back from childhood polio to win 3 Olympic gold medals in 1960
Mike C, 2007-10-17 11:50:53

How could you leave skier Hermman Maier off such a list or ,maybe No.1, Lance Armstrong.
don campbell, 2007-10-16 21:28:47

Remember when Monica Seles was stabbed in the back by a fan during a break between sets in France? She was able to come back after that.
clay, 2007-10-16 20:24:49

I like the list but how about Greg Lemond's return to cycling after being shot and then winning the 3 week long Tour de France race in dramatic fashion by a mere 8 seconds? That's a story! albeit not a hockey one.
Jason, 2007-10-16 20:04:43

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Dave Dravecky, the former Padres and Giants pitcher. Dravecky's battle through arm injuries and comebacks, only to discover the "injury" was cancer, is the most inspirational tale in sports I have ever heard. Read his book, Comeback, and you'll see just how amazing an individual Mr. Dravecky is.
Steve, 2007-10-16 19:10:32

I could not agree more with you that Lance Armstrong's was #1. But where were you locked up when Saku Koivu made his incredible return to the Canadiens? That he wasn't #2 makes this whole list a joke. Blake's situation isn't even on the same planet!
scjwonder, 2007-10-16 18:34:55

How much dope have you smoked in your life? No Koivu on the list? The guy gets diagnosed with a serious life threatening cancer, damn near dies and rallies back to lead his team with a memorable run.

Man, you haven't got a clue.
Mike, 2007-10-16 18:14:46

Okay...... WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING???? Lance Armstrong, #1.... Saku Koivu not listed... Did you just get this job, do you work in the sports industry in Canada?
DB, 2007-10-16 14:43:23

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