Exploring the Educational Meanings of a “Happy Life” in the Career Transition Process of Retired Swimmers

Purpose: This study explored the changes in identity, internal growth, and developmental processes as educators, experienced by ‘retired swimmers’ as they transitioned their lives from athletes to non-athletes. For this, the study is based on Aristotle’s concept of ‘eudaimonia’, seeking to deeply illuminate the overall lives of participants pursuing a ‘happy life’ and to reveal its educational meanings. Methods: For this study, four retired swimmers with over 15 years of experience were selected. Data were collected over a period of one year through at least seven in-depth interviews for each participant, along with daily conversations and photographs. The data were analyzed and interpreted using narrative procedures and approach. Results: First, the study participants ‘introduced’ themselves to swimming in their childhood and adolescence, and they experienced glorious moments along the way. They also strived to embody various moral virtues such as perseverance, courage and friendship in their lives. Second, during the retiring process, they faced physical limitations, poor performance, loss of confidence, a lack of enjoyment, instability in their positions, and external environmental factors. However, they transformed these challenges into life-changing experiences and worked to redefine their identities. Finally, they experienced a different level of happiness through ‘teaching’ while establishing their own philosophy and knowledge as a leader, and they were able to acquire practical wisdom and explore various leadership strategies and educational directions. Conclusion: Accordingly, the retirement process for swimmers is not perceived as a break, but rather as a turning point for reinterpreting the direction of life and a beginning for exploring a new career path and identity. Retired athletes can deeply pursue a different level of happiness in a completely different life and develop their potential as educators.