The sport hopper is another coping strategy that I have seen (and personally experienced) when dealing with re-identifying after retirement from a sports career. At first, the sport hopper might just want to try something new. But once they start getting into the sport, they seriously kick up the intensity. They may start to look at their competitive options within the sport. If the participation is occurring through some city rec program or at a gym, they may consider whether there is a more serious team that they can join. The new activity may start to occupy a great deal of mental imagery and planning. (Are you starting to see where this is going?)
The sport hopper starts to put the new sport into the void left by retirement from the career sport. However, there are a number of challenges that will make it very hard for the new sport to fill the void. First, this is a new endeavor. No doubt, these athletes achieve great levels of fitness quickly and are probably very adept. Coaches may recognize them for that, further triggering the sense that this sport can replace the old. But all too frequently the situation will be littered with shortcomings. For example, a recreational team will not be “hard core” enough, “teammates” may not share their drive and determination and may just be out to have fun. Another challenge is that the sport hopper, accustomed to being elite and exceptional in the sport of choice may have to experience a learning curve, mastering new techniques and skills. This could be viewed as fun and challenging, or could feel like an annoying shortcoming.
The disparity between the image of “what could be” growing in the sport hopper’s mind and the reality of the situation can lead to frustration and a lack of satisfaction. The sport hopper may leave the sport to try something else – something that will provide the desired sense of satisfaction. And so the pattern develops.
This coping strategy was a doozy for me when I was redefining myself after retirement. Ju jitsu (BLACK BELT here I come), rowing (I could go to the Olympics!), cycling (365 mile 3-day road race! Sign me up!), … the list is long but distinguished. Each activity was very enjoyable, and I have no regrets in trying them, but disappointment would rear its ugly little head whenever I started to slide the new sport into that career sport void and expect it to be more than just an enjoyable activity. Let’s face it…I had 20 years to get my swimming up to par! Once I started picturing myself on the Olympic stand again, but with only limited experience and a recreational team… the shiny new sport began to tarnish.
While it can happen, it is very rare for a sport taken on in retirement to be able to fill the void left by the career sport. There is a reason for this! That void needs to be filled with more than just one sport! The trick here, sport hoppers, is to enjoy the ride. Enjoy the activity for what it is and have fun. But recognize it is only a piece of the puzzle…not the solution.
I count 6 sports that I used to fill the void before I realized what I was trying to do… how many have you tried? Anyone used non-sport activities to fill the void? (I can add about 3 more here!!)