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The figure skater retired in 2022, at sixteen years old. Now she's back at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a newfound confidence and sense of control--in her skating and in her life.

The two skiers have each had claims to be the best ever in their sport. But they have chased that ideal in very different ways.

Not long ago, taking political stands almost seemed to become part of the job. These days, in another moment of social crisis, expectations have shifted.

After stepping away from the game in 2023, the tennis star had a dream run at Wimbledon last year end with a humiliating defeat in the final. But it's the clarity of her confidence that continues to define her.