Two veterans of their respective sports, David Beckham and Roger Federer, have had a great end to 2011.
Both players, apparently in decline physically, have shocked critics by returning to their former relevance this past week. Beckham, in what was likely his last game with the L.A. Galaxy finally won a championship, while Federer made it clear he is still one of the best of the game with a 6-3, 6-0 trumping of Rafael Nadal in the ATP Finals.
Federer and Beckham are committed to going out on top, although neither seems eager to go out just yet. Both have expressed great interest in taking part in the London 2012 Olympics for their respective countries, and they hope the good form from the latter half of 2011 extends until the Summer Games.
Beckham wants to be one of the reinforcements of the Great Britain Olympic team, the first team fielded by Great Britain since 1974 (although the team is likely to be composed largely of English players as Scottish players have refused to join the team). Beckham wants to win gold at home, as many Brits hope to do come 2012.
So why is Federer so interested in the 2012 Games? Wimbledon.
Federer is looking forward to competing in Wimbledon during the Games. With Wimbledon being the host of the Olympic tournament, Federer will be able to compete for gold in his favorite surface: grass.
The Swiss player hopes to take part in the single and mixed doubles, and has reached out to former tennis great Martina Hingis to join him as his partner.
Both veteran stars have the potential to bring a new relevance to their respective sports, which aren't premiere Olympic sports, and to do so they hope to continue their great form and be genuine contenders for gold.
