‘I will always be a figure skater, that is who I am’: Three former figure skaters’ experiences of life after sport

Abstract: Retirement in elite sport has been researched from different perspectives, and could be seen as either a transition through phases or movement within social contexts. Athletes often experience their retirement as difficult, including feelings of void, confusion and decrease of self-esteem. However, the outcome of retirement varies depending on the individual athlete, and could even lead to an increase of life satisfaction. Women’s artistic gymnastics and figure skating is both artistic sport with similar characteristics. Research into retirement from women’s artistic gymnastics indicates that gymnasts may experience further difficulties post retirement because these characteristics. There are no scientific literature regarding retirement and life after a figure skating career. The aim of this thesis is to address the lack of knowledge about figure skaters’ retirement experiences. To do this, using a narrative approach, three former elite figure skaters were interviewed. Douglas & Carless’ (2006) performance narrative theory was used to create understanding of the three skaters’ careers. All three skaters adopted the performance narrative throughout their career. Post retirement, the skaters experienced confusion without the figure skating status. They also experienced void, and searching their way back to the ice. 1-2 years after retirement, figure skating was still an important part of the skaters’ lives, both mentally and physically. Further research is needed to create a broader understanding of how figure skaters’ experience elite sport retirement.