Navratilova to un-defect?

Martina Navratilova is probably one of the most talented athletes to ever pick up a tennis racket. Impressive as her career achievements are, it's her longevity as a champion which I believe will ensure that Martina will go down in history as The Best. Ever.

Most of us can recall the 1980's era Martina: the butch Czechoslovakian dyke who was beathing the hell out of American's sweetie pie Chris Evert all the time. (see pic)

Martina retired from singles competition in 1994 but still plays pro doubles. In fact, as recently as a year ago she was ranked #6 in the world! (She's now ranked #22, still not bad considering she's pushing fifty.) But one look at Martina2006 (see pic) and it's obvious she's in fantastic shape. Thats her next to the totally bootylicious Serena Williams!

Navratilova defected from the former Czechoslovakia in 1975 and became a U.S. citizen in 1981. She had a chance to visit her former homeland for last week's Prague Open. ESPN:

Twenty years on, Martina Navratilova made a winning return to the Czech Republic on Tuesday, winning her first match in her homeland since she played for the United States in the 1986 Fed Cup final. Navratilova, who holds 58 Grand Slam titles, teamed up with Czech Barbara Strycova to win their first round doubles match 6-2 6-3 against Czech Olga Blahotova and American Asha Rolle at the Challenger Series Prague Open tennis tournament.

After Arnold Schwarzenegger (another naturalized American of humble Euro-orgins) became Governor of California, Martina expressed an interest in politics. A long-time progressive activist, she was quoted at the time, "If Arnold can run for governor in California, who knows? I have the muscles! I will be involved, especially with the way things are going right now. The conservative party is too strong."

No argument from me.

I would love to see Governor Navratilova someday but it probably won't happen. Aparently Martina is considering emmigrating back to the Czech Republic after being overwhelmed by the country's progressive post-Communist changes and public's embrace of her.

"I can breathe here much better now," she said in Tuesday's edition of the daily Lidove Noviny. Navratilova, who turns 50 in October, added she may even settle in the Czech Republic.

In a sentiment dripping with irony (and truth) Martina earlier noted, "The most absurd part of my escape from the unjust (Czechoslovakian) system is that I have exchanged one system that suppresses free opinion for another. The Republicans in the U.S. manipulate public opinion and sweep controversial issues under the table. It's depressing. Decisions in America are based solely on the question of how much money will come out of it and not on the questions of how much health, morals or environment suffer as a result."

I understand if she goes, but I hope she stays. It's people like Martina Navratilova who make me proud me be an American.