Recently, we reported on Vladimir Samsonov's withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A living legend in the sport, the 45-year-old Belarusian Samsonov (pictured) had already secured a record-tying seventh Olympic appearance. Samsonov's voluntary withdrawal came as a surprise, as no reason was initially given. This uncertainty plunged his fans (this writer included) into denial and bargaining, reasoning that he could still come back to make the 2024 Paris Olympics at 48. Now, the sobering truth has been revealed. Today came an official announcement that Vladimir Samsonov is retiring from international competition. A lingering shoulder injury was cited as the deciding factor. "During my career, I always thought about winning or putting up a good fight with any opponent," Samsonov said wistfully. "Unfortunately, because of the shoulder problems and many months without training, it does not seem possible at the moment!" While many in Tokyo will be disappointed not to see the erstwhile evergreen play, Samsonov's decision to walk away on his own terms is to be lauded. A player insecure about his place in history could have easily made a perfunctory appearance in Tokyo just to gain a place in the fabled "Seven Club," but Samsonov has nothing to prove. Furthermore, he knows that, by gracefully bowing out, he opens the door to a younger, hungrier player who will raise the level of competition. (In this case, England's 31-year-old Paul Drinkhall is the lucky recipient of a golden ticket.) Classy to the end, Vladimir Samsonov will be missed on the court. We wish him the best in whatever comes next.

More at ETTU