Abstract
Paralympic sport has become increasingly competitive over the past 10-20 years necessitating increased dedication by potential Paralympians relative to only 5-10 years ago. Athletes with and without disabilities have much in common and those similarities extend to the challenges of leaving sport.
Athletes leaving sport have described it as an identity crisis, a traumatic event, a role loss, and career and social death. It is important to note that many writers report that most athletes make the transition out of sport successfully and some perceive the transition to post-sport life positively to pursue other life goals.
Transition theorists indicate that neglecting important social relationships predicts difficulties with transitioning out of sport. Researchers in disability sport have identified negative emotional experiences upon leaving sport such as feelings of anger, depression, grief, hollowness/emptiness, sadness, and mourning.
Unique to Parasport is the phenomena of classification, which also has implications for retirement.