Pursuit of Gold with Laura Wilkinson

In yet another impactful and empowering episode of The Pursuit of Gold podcast, Laura delves into the all too often-overlooked topic of life after competitive sports. Joining her for this important discussion is Robyn Eckersley, CPC, ELI-MP, a dedicated life expansion coach who specializes in helping high performing women create huge, meaningful change within themselves, their personal lives, and their professional lives. Together, this dynamic duo navigates the emotional rollercoaster of retiring from elite athletics, discussing the challenges of finding purpose and passion beyond sports.
Throughout their candid conversation, Laura and Robyn uncover practical strategies for tackling financial challenges, prioritizing mental health, and embracing gratitude as a pathway to personal fulfillment. Exploring the journey of transitioning from the pinnacle of athletic achievement to a new chapter in life, they emphasize the importance of setting meaningful targets, reframing mindset, and finding strength in community support networks. Through the insights that Robyn and Laura share here today, they redefine success on individual terms, encouraging listeners to approach change with confidence and optimism as they embark on life beyond the sports arena.

Episode Highlights:

• The emotional journey of transitioning from athletic achievement to new beginnings


• Strategies for discovering passions and purpose beyond sports


• The importance of mental health awareness and seeking support during transitions


• Navigating financial challenges and planning for long-term stability post-retirement


• Finding strength through gratitude and guided journaling practices


• Overcoming isolation and reconnecting with community and purpose


• Self-discovery and personal growth after leaving the sports arena


• Embracing change and finding fulfillment beyond athletics

Quotes:
"There are too many stories of unsuccessful retirement experiences where athletes suffer immensely with mental, emotional, physical, and financial repercussions once they hang up their jersey."
"What is life about? I had no answers. And so, honestly, my mental health did start to take a major toll."
"A lot of these athletes, if they had the privilege of generating a good amount of income over the course of their career, are without financial advising and the appropriate kind of financial counseling to help set them up for the long term."
"I think it's really healthy to go through those emotional ups and downs afterward. That's a healthy grief process."
"A lot of times people think I'm grieving... I grieve the routine I had training every day in the gym."
"We're not created to be alone. We need community for sure."
"We need to recognize all the value that we have intrinsically as each individual human being on top of what you can do in your sport."
"Lean into the fact that you get to experience the Olympic village, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to connect with fellow athletes on a human level."
"Struggling after retirement shouldn't be the norm; we're changing those metrics and creating a supportive community for athletes."

Links:

• The Pursuit of Gold Website


• The Confidence Journal

Laura’s Social Media:

• Laura’s Instagram


• Laura’s Facebook

Connect with Robyn:

• Robyn's Website


• Robyn's LinkedIn


• Robyn's Instagram