Many athletes watching Andy Murray’s press conference in Melbourne on Thursday night would have identified with his anguish as he outlined the nightmare scenario he is living; crippled with pain, unsure whether each tournament might be his last, his head not ready to give up, his body apparently not capable of continuing.
The prospect of no longer being able to do something to which you have dedicated every waking minute since you were in short trousers affects different athletes in different ways. But the majority struggle, even when they get to retire on their own terms.
People who responded to Andy Murray’s emotional interview on announcing his possible retirement with words and phrases like ‘get over it ‘ , just didn’t begin to comprehend what it means to a sports person when they have to finish their sporting career. Whether it is forced upon them through injury or whether it is just the passage of time, there can be huge psychological effects when an athlete retires. It is not just their livelihood, it is an entire way of life.
No, Andy Murray does not have to worry about money and he has done what every sportsperson should do and he has got a Plan B in place and there will surely be opportunities for him as a tennis pundit , but nothing – but nothing – can take away the hurt when you have to stop following your passion.
Any sports people out there, who still do not have a Plan B in place, have a look at Dare2change. You will recognise many of the qualities needed!