I agree, Joe. If Michelle were to come back, what would she have to lose? Her resume/reputation will always back her up. On the other hand, Sasha has built a reputation as choking when it counts, to the point she is parodied on SNL and other athletes are labeled,"The Sasha Cohen of their sport." if they fail or don't play up to expectations. Sasha presents a good attitude about it, but it can't feel good knowing what has been your downfall in your overall goal is being used humourously.
IMO, the one thing about being (and staying) at the top is mental, and it's the hardest thing to learn or develop. Right now, well, following the Olympics, there has been a lot of interest in Sasha, so I think she'd be smarter to pursue new interests now while many know her name, or before she falls off the podium (if that is to happen). She's been on every podium of every competition she's entered since 2003 Worlds. That is really remarkable! She may not have a Worlds or Olympic title, but she has had much more of an impressive career than 90% of the skaters out there.
IMO, the one thing about being (and staying) at the top is mental, and it's the hardest thing to learn or develop. Right now, well, following the Olympics, there has been a lot of interest in Sasha, so I think she'd be smarter to pursue new interests now while many know her name, or before she falls off the podium (if that is to happen). She's been on every podium of every competition she's entered since 2003 Worlds. That is really remarkable! She may not have a Worlds or Olympic title, but she has had much more of an impressive career than 90% of the skaters out there.