Thursday, November 23, 2006

This week I was shocked by the news of Ian Thorpe's retirement from swimming. I'd heard that he wanted to retire after the Olympic Games and even then it seemed too soon for me. I thought it was really odd that someone who was so good at something (world-record-breaking-good) would give it up. And now he announced he was really going to retire....at 24. I thought to myself...I'll be 24 soon and I haven't even done anything I can retire from!

But looking at it from another angle, it's interesting: I understand the pressure he must have been on and the sense that he might be really good at something but for everyone else that's all he was: he was a swimmer and no one cared about what else he was. And now he's ready to start over and do other things that he's interested in. It must be a relief but quite frightening at the same time. It's a license to be reborn.
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think there is something to be said for going out at the top of your game. Who knows...maybe he'll be tops at something else too!

I'm 10 years older than you and still haven't found my calling :(

5:44 pm, November 23, 2006
lady miss marquise said...

I hadn't heard that - but I guess as Stephanie says it is about going out at the top of your game.

It must be incredibly empowering as well, that after so much time dedicated to one thing, you can chase another dream...

10:41 pm, November 24, 2006
Devil Mood said...

Stephanie: I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a calling...hmmm,I'll think about that. Yes, I think he had some physical problems so he wasn't at his best right now.

Day: Yes, it's a great second change, not that he failed on the 1st one but still!

Hi LadyMiss :) I think he must be happy, despite other people being in shock about it...

10:56 pm, November 24, 2006

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