The transition process from competitive sport to retirement: Future engagement in physical activity and involvement in figure skating

Career transition is known to be an emotionally trying time for many athletes. Yet the effect of the type of transition on future physical activity and sport behaviour is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether retirement characteristics and athletic identity are associated with future engagement in physical activity and involvement in figure skating. An online questionnaire using a quantitative approach was employed to collect measures of post-retirement physical activity levels and affiliation with skating. Results from the analyses indicated that health-related reasons for retirement predicted higher levels of physical activity, while a planned retirement predicted physical inactivity and continued involvement in skating. A transition that was either easy or permanent predicted a lower likelihood of involvement with skating post-retirement. This study provides new information regarding the post-retirement experiences of athletes and emphasizes the importance of career education in long-term athlete development programs.