02/20/2017
I found this a very interesting read which highlights the difficulties top athletes go through after retiring from sport.
I will never forget breaking down into tears during a speech at my Dutch clubs' (HGC) farewell event in front of my teammates and club followers. I couldn't really understand why I couldn't stop. I felt weak but I should've realized that I had lived, breathed and slept this game for more than 22 years and should have known it would be hard to fill the void that would be left after saying good-bye to my biggest passion in life.
Leaving the game was in fact tougher for me than I had expected. I felt I was ready, but I was not. Today I still miss Sunday game days with my boys in Holland. I miss putting on the beautiful red jersey playing other countries around the world. I miss the change-room banter, the friendships, the on-field antics, the interactions with the crowd, and of course I miss winning.
I honestly believe that elite athletes cannot be prepared for this day, but today reading this article made me realize how grateful I am to still be able to be on the field with so many dedicated and talented athletes sharing their dreams that I once had. Somehow what I do is called "work".
Regards,
Rob
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-things-athletes-wont-admit-life-after-sport-greg-mumm
Athletes are trained to push through pain, ignore hardships and endure sacrifices – it’s the price of victory. As an athlete, I was taught it, and as
