Here's a Q&A the Canadian Sport Institute did with me leading up to the Sochi Olympics, talking about my past and present careers! For the original article click here.
As we count down the days to the Sochi Olympic Winter Games (7 days to go!), we have also reminisced on the performances of so many great Canadians at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. Over the past quadrennial many of these athletes have transitioned from their athletic careers into a number of other professions.
As part of our #WeCan Campaign we want to highlight the successes of some of these athletes since their retirement from sport as #WeCan succeed after sport!
Here is our interview with Two-Time Olympian & World Champion in Aerials Freestyle Skiing, Warren Shouldice.
Q | Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?
A | Since retiring I've settled down in Calgary with my fiancé and am building my career as a realtor. I grew up in Calgary and had always planned on staying here after my athletic career was finished.
Q | What is your fondest memory about representing Canada at the Olympics?
A | My fondest memory about representing Canada at the Olympics has always been the competition itself, especially in Vancouver where the fans were absolutely insane! Having the opportunity to represent my country on home soil was an honour and a privilege and something I'll remember for the rest of my life.
Q | Do you still keep in touch with any of your Canadian teammates? If so which ones?
A | I keep in touch with a lot of my Canadian teammates and fellow competitors. Being an athlete was my life for 15 years and I developed many lifelong friendships along the way. I've even been fortunate enough to work with some of my Olympic teammates since becoming a realtor in 2012.
Q | What is a transferrable skill that you learnt in sport that you have been able to apply to your current career?
A | One of the aspects of real estate that attracted me to the profession was the many similarities it shares with being an athlete. I would have to say the meticulous attention to detail I developed as an athlete has been one of the most beneficial skills I've transferred from my sport to my new career.
Q | What is the most important life lession you learnt through sport?
A | The most important life lesson I learnt through sport is that actions speak louder than words. I find there are a lot of people that will say one thing and do another. It's ones actions that truly define who they are.
Q | What were some obstacles you faced when you retired from sport?
A | One of the obstacles I faced after retiring from sport was maintaining the same healthy lifestyle I kept up as an athlete. It's a lot more difficult to eat right, go to the gym and get plenty of rest now that it's not my job. However, these things are still extremely important to me and I need to be even more disciplined in order to keep them up.
Q | What were some pleasant surprises about your transition?
A | The most pleasant surprise about my transition from sport has been the peace of mind I've had with my decision to retire. Retirement is one of the most difficult and often scary decisions an athlete will face over their career and it was something I had always dreaded. Fortunately, I haven't regretted my decision and although I miss it, I know it was the right time to move on.
Q | Any words of advice for competing athletes for when they transition in the future?
A | The best advice I have for current athletes is to plan for your retirement and have interests outside of sport! I know that can seem difficult to someone who eats sleeps and lives the Olympic dream, but one day that comes to an end and we have to join the real world. It's important to have a good plan in place for when that happens because it makes the transition to your next career a much easier one. There is a life after sport and it's not nearly as scary if you're prepared for it.
