Ever since I quit my elite gymnastics career I struggled to transition into the normal world. I almost want to say that the years after I quit my elite career might even be harder than the ones during my gymnastics career. By creating this platform I hope that I can help other, soon-to-be ex elite athletes, or athletes that have already retired. I hope by sharing my story and help others share their stories will help you along the way.
I want to create something I wished was there when I quit my Elite Career to help others
Annaleid Bakker
This podcast is what I wish was there when I quit elite gymnastics and entered the normal world. In my experience listening to other stories from peers helped me so much to recognize I wasn’t alone in this battle. And maybe you aren’t an ex-elite athlete, but just someone interested in the world of elite athletes. That’s also fine, this podcast is for everyone!
The Podcast – The Normal World
The normal world is a podcast where I interview an ex-elite athlete every month about their struggles transitioning into the normal world. We are not going to talk only about elite gymnastics, but a variety of different sports. Why did they quit? Which struggles did they face? And what advice would they give their younger selves right now? Curious? You can listen to it on Spotify or iTunes. Or in the player down below!
Ep. 25 The Normal World of Querijn Hensen – The Normal World
Share your story on The Normal World
If you want me to interview you in my monthly podcast and help share your story about your transition period to the normal world? Send an email to podcast@actuallyanna.com and mention podcast in the subject.
Other services
Through my experiences as a former elite athlete and my experiences with mental health afterwards, I can definitely call myself a peer mentor or peer supporter. I’m always willing to speak at an event about my own experiences, the importance of talking about this subject or another related subject. Since I also have a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Sports Science it can also be regarding those subjects. I’m also open to write an article or be a guest in a podcast or youtube channel. And if you want a peer mentor to talk to and understand what you’re going through, I’m also open to requests in that area!
Send an email to podcast@actuallyanna.com and mention podcast in the subject.
Need help?
Throughout these interviews and my own research, I found some programs that might be able to help find your way into the normal world. If you have any suggestions or you know other programs that help ex elite athletes, let me know!
Sporttop.nl – Dutch institute that helps ex-elite athletes with or without an elite status.
Team NL @ work – NOC NSF program for ex-elite athletes that were part of a national team with a status.
The Normal World – Podcast © 2021 by Annaleid Bakker is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International