One of Europe’s top female players is undoubtedly Selena Piek, who has picked up four European Championship medals in women’s and mixed doubles, and it was the women’s doubles gold at the European Games last year in Minsk.
Looking at this escalation of great results, it is clear that Piek is ‘peaking’ right now. It is therefore understandably hard to contemplate that a career can come to an end when you are flying so high. Many players view this in different ways, but for Piek she says.
-I have not been thinking about it a lot as I wanted to be fully committed to qualifying for the Olympic Games. I believe that when you are thinking about it too much it is a sign that you are mentally getting closer to retirement. For me personally, it’s all about keeping my motivation, the belief of still being able to compete with the world’s best and to be injury-free. If my body isn't able to deliver the workload I need to put in, or when I can’t see myself defeating the world’s best, it’s time to call it a day.
Read: - The Olympics are not my final destination
Worst coach ever
When a player does retire, there is always that question which fans ask, and that is whether we will see them continue in the sport in some capacity. Piek responds by saying.
-I don't think that there is a big chance that you will see me back in the sport if I’m honest. I’ve finished my university degree in communication, so I would like to develop and challenge myself in that field and other aspects of life. I also think that I would be the worst coach ever. But hey, never say never.