“I have always valued the ‘having fun’ Part higher than ‘the Results’ Part I need to enjoy the journey to be to be successful at it.” Ruben Blommaert announced about his retirement.
German pair skater Ruben Blommaert announced about his retirement.
source: Instagram
“Dear Skating Friends
After skating at these amazing World Championships in Tokyo, I have decided to end my active skating career.
This is not an easy decision because I enjoyed so much skating last week in Japan for so many people!
I want to Thank Alisa for making this WC in Japan possible because this Seson was not easy at all. We had many ups and downs and for my feeling more downs than ups.
For my skating journey I have always valued the ‘having fun’ Part higher than ‘the Results’ Part I need to enjoy the journey to be to be successful at it.
We have a very different approach to ‘How we want to do Sports’ and that is ok, but still it was not very complementary on a daily Basis.
We don’t talk much about mental health in Sports but I have certainly not been on my happy place the last weeks/months. I realise this and this decision is for myself, because I know who I am, how I am, and how I want to be. I did not recognise ME on the ice anymore and therefore I choose to make a Change.
Another bug issue for next Season is not having the same Support from the Federation like we had the last years.
I would need to invest a lot of money for new Choreography, doing Training camps ans pay for all expenses for COmpetitions. Getting the proposal to start a crowdfunding to fund next Season is not something I want to do at this Point of my career.
Being an Olympian, Grand Prox medalists, 4th at Europeans and Top 10 at the World Championships os something I am very proud of. However, I don’t think people would understand why we need to ask for money on this Level.
It sounds quit harsh but this is the reality and that is why I make my decision.
Now the good Part.
I am sooo grateful for the Journey this has been.
I don’t know where to start.
My most precious moment is realising my childhood Dreem, competing at the Plympic Games. I have met so many wonderful people, and visited so many different countries. It is so beautiful to see the small skating community all over the world. I have learned so much from my career as an Athlete and I can’t wait for what is going to be next in my life.
There are so many people to Thank but most of all I want to thank my parents for making this all possible in the first place. You have invested so much in me, I hope I made you proud.
Thank you to all my friends and Family for all the years of Support! Big Thanks to all the Coaches I have worled with and learned from. It is a beautiful thing when coaches become more than just coaches. They become Mentors of Life, Examples for the future.
Thank you to the German Skating Federation for the longterm Support since I moved to Germany in 2011. Big Thanks to ‘Spitzensport Bundeswehr’ for making it possible for Athletes to make a lovong doing what they love.
Thank you to my skatig partners. You have all been part of my journey and I am very proud of what I have achieved with you!
I am very excited for the next steps in my life. I have always wanted to coach so we will meet again for sure. I Hope to share my Experiences, Knowledge and Joy I had skating for so many years.
Losts of love!
Ruben
Related topics: Annika Hocke Ruben Blommaert
Feeling sorry for Alisa now… Ps: Unfortunately, no one would give us money (maybe, except for our parents..) so we can have fun. Top Russian figure skaters do not pay, But….;)