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The best and worst sporting comebacks

Steve Redgrave returned from retirement after only four months © Getty Images

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• News: Hatton confirms ring return
  

Following Ricky Hatton's announcement that he will return to the ring in 2010, we take a look back at those who have returned - with varying degrees of success - to action following a spell away from sport…

The best...

Steve Redgrave
Redgrave's comments following his retirement from rowing could not have been more authoritative. After winning at Atlanta 1996, his fourth career Olympic gold, he said: "I hereby give permission to anybody who catches me in a boat again to shoot me." Thankfully, no-one took him up on the offer when he changed his mind - just four months later - and declared he would compete at Sydney 2000. He clinched a fifth gold medal there and announced his retirement afterwards in more understated terms.

Niki Lauda
The Austrian, a Formula One world champion in 1975 and 1977, retired from the sport during the 1979 season after declaring that he was "fed up of driving in circles." Despite this statement, a need for a cash injection to his business - required to expand Lauda Air - necessitated a return to the sport with McLaren in 1982. Comeback success was immediate, with Lauda top of the podium in his third race after returning. Following two commendable but unexceptional seasons, the Austrian rediscovered title-winning form in 1984. After nine rounds he trailed team-mate Alain Prost in the championship by 11.5 points, a deficit he overcame after winning three of the final seven races.

Lester Piggott
Piggott was a teenage prodigy in horse racing, riding his first Epsom Derby winner aged 18. He went on to record eight more Derby victories before retiring as a jockey in 1985, whereupon he began a career as a trainer - during which he was jailed. Following his release Piggott resumed his riding career, winning the Breeders' Cup Mile in 1990 on Royal Academy 12 days after coming out of retirement. In 1992 he steered Rodrigo de Triano to victory in the 2000 Guineas, before again retiring in 1995.

The worst...

Bjorn Borg found the competition too hot © Getty Images

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Bjorn Borg
The Swede's retirement from tennis at 26 in 1983 came after he had pocketed ten Grand Slams, including five Wimbledon titles. Apparently oblivious to advancements in the sport, Borg returned in 1991 - wooden racket in tow. That wooden racket produced wooden spoons for Borg in tournaments. Following 12 straight first round defeats in ATP Tour events from 1991 to 1993 - many were surprised he persisted as long as he did - Borg retired for good.

Muhammad Ali
On the face of it, Ali's retirement seemed to be in perfect circumstances. He had just won a heavyweight belt for a record third time, and was bowing out to widespread adulation - yet the lure of a fourth title drew him back to the sport. Over two years after he had retired, Ali was in the ring against Larry Holmes. The lesser-known man dominated the bout, with the fight stopped after the tenth round. A further defeat against Trevor Berbick ensued the next year before Ali finally hung up his gloves.

Mark Spitz
The American's seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics caught the attention of the world. His attempted return to action almost 20 years later, when he attempted to qualify for the Barcelona Olympics, didn't catch the attention of the American Olympic selectors. The 41-year-old Spitz was two seconds shy of the required qualifying level - although still posting times that were similar to his Olympic-winning performances.

Josh Williams is an assistant editor of ESPN.co.uk

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