Golfer Lexi Thompson, who gained a big championship when she was once simply 19 years previous, has introduced her retirement.
Thompson, 29, broke the scoop that she’d be leaving the sport at the tip of 2024 in a video posted via Instagram on Tuesday, May 28, calling it “the letter I wrote to the game of golfing.”
“What can I say in the end those years?” Thompson mentioned to open the video. “You have played such the most important function for almost all of my life. You welcomed me into your global at this type of younger age and for that, I am perpetually grateful.”
As clips from her decorated occupation had been proven — together with turning into the then-youngest golfer to ever qualify for the U.S. (*29*)’s Open at the age of 12 in 2007 — Thompson stated the tenuous struggle she has had with golf during the years.
“Though our dating has been sophisticated at instances, you’ve taught me resilience, persistence and the facility of perseverance,” Thompson admitted. “You’ve shown me the highs and lows of competition, the joys of victory and lessons learned in defeat.”
She endured, “You haven’t always been simple on me or fair, for that matter. But all through the entire ups and downs, you’ve given me a platform to inspire others and certainly have an effect on the sector. That has been the motive force that kept me playing and relentlessly working to be higher.”
Thompson gave a shout-out to her fans, who she mentioned allowed her to “dig deep and stay competing,” earlier than turning the focal point to her family.
“I wouldn’t be in this position today if it weren’t for the love, sacrifice and determination of my ma and pa,” she mentioned. “Words can not specific my gratitude for all the time being there for me and pushing me to be my easiest every unmarried day.”
Thompson then further stated the particular pressures that convinced her it was time to step away from the sport.
“Although this has been a terrific adventure, it hasn’t always been an easy one,” she mentioned. “Since I was 12 years outdated, my existence as a golfer has been a whirlwind of continuing stress, scrutiny and force. The cameras are at all times on, shooting each swing and every second off and on the golf course.”
She persevered, “Social media never sleeps, with feedback and criticisms flooding in from all over the world. It may also be laborious to care for a smile at the out of doors while grappling with struggles on the within.”
In her candor, Thompson defined how vulnerability about her personal adventure has allowed her to develop a special give a boost to machine inside the sport.
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She mentioned, “By opening up about my own battles, I’ve been able to connect with others who feel remoted in their struggles, offering them a sense of neighborhood and figuring out. Each time I percentage, it reinforces the message that it’s OK not to be OK and that in search of toughen is an indication of energy, not weak spot.”
Thompson ended the emotional video with an positive nod toward the longer term.
“I will be able to always look for techniques to contribute to this game and encourage the following technology of golfers,” she noted. “And, after all, I look forward to a bit time for myself.”
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