Sport has the tendancy to provide us with feel good moments and stories and a comeback story is one of those that puts the cherry on the cake. Tiger Woods’ memorable victory at the 2019 Masters in Augusta yesterday (Sunday, 14 April), signalled a media frenzy as his victory brought back the Tiger that everybody remembered. This victory was also his first Major title since the 2008 US Open and also his first Masters title since 2005. His victory at Augusta was exactly 22 years after his first title in 1997.
Two other sporting comebacks also dwell in my memory that made big headlines back in the day and are worth mentioning:
- George Foreman:
Foreman was well known as one of the top heavyweight boxers in the 60’s and 70’s but after his retirement in 1977 went into obscurity. He made his return in 1987 and then won the World Title in 1994 at the age of 46 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the tenth round. Foreman eventually retired for a second time at the age of 48 in 1997. Foreman remains the oldest world heavyweight champion in history to this day.
- Niki Lauda:
Niki Lauda is regarded as one of the most notable Formaula One champions in history, but it could have been so much different after an accident in 1976 almost cost him his life. Lauda’s Ferrari swerved off the race track during the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring and struck an embankment, before exploding in flames. He was hospitalised and miraculously returning at the Italian Grand Prix only 43 days later to race again. Lauda did not win the World Title, losing to rival James Hunt, but won the heart of the F1 fraternity for life. Lauda eventually won the 1977 and 1984 World Championships too to end off a superb career.
