From sports career to retirement: what are the reasons, feelings, and experiences of swimmers from different decades?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.106257Keywords:
Natação, Aposentadoria, Carreira esportiva, Atletas, Estudos RetrospectivosAbstract
Objective: The aim was to compare retirement motives, feelings during the transition and when reminiscing about their careers, as well as perceptions of physical fitness and health among 18 former swimmers, divided into Group A (retired between 1995-2005) and Group B (retired between 2006-2019). Materials and Methods: A qualitative and retrospective approach was utilized through interviews via Google Meet, following a semi-structured script. Athletes' recruitment was conveniently conducted based on availability and accessibility. Results: Findings indicated that performance stagnation was the primary retirement motive for both groups (33.33% for Group A and 35.71% for Group B). During the transition, Group A predominantly expressed positive feelings (57.15%), while Group B showed a predominance of negative feelings (63.64%), with relief being the main emotion cited in both groups. When recalling their careers, both groups predominantly expressed positive feelings (94.45% for Group A and 76.2% for Group B), with nostalgia being the most cited emotion in both. Regarding perceptions of physical fitness and health, a predominantly worsening trend was observed in both groups. The results emphasize the need for career planning, providing important data for technical teams and athletes to recognize this vulnerability and potentially implement career planning in their teams with the aim of facilitating the transition to a new identity and lifestyle.
Keywords: Swimming. Retirement. Sports career. Athletes. Retrospective Studies.
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