Ekaterina Zavialova’s Game Plan
As a snowboarder I was elated to be named team alternate for the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. At that time, I knew I would continue training with the goal of competing in Sochi. Unfortunately, I injured my knee seven months before qualifications. I had spent 15 years of my life pouring my heart and soul into sport and felt like I had nothing to show for it – I was not an Olympian.
Being an observer as my friends lived my dream was exceedingly difficult, but life was about to get even harder. After coming home from Russia, I took stock of my situation. I was 29, Korea was in 4 years, and the possibility of another heartbreak was unthinkable. I was faced with the harsh reality of retirement.
Despite having my Kinesiology degree, something I am really proud I was able to accomplish while competing and completing my yoga teacher training in hopes of finding myself outside of being an athlete, I was still at a loss of what career path might be available to me. I struggled to find a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Nothing was ever going to top the life that I had as a high performance athlete.
In attempts to mask how dejected and lost I felt, I kept myself as busy as I could. At one point I had five jobs. Not knowing what I wanted to do, I did everything, but didn’t fully commit or pursue anything. I was burning out and sadly it was more comfortable than facing my true feelings.
After several tough conversations with Game Plan Advisor, Cara Button at the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary, she forced my hand and made an appointment for counseling. I was diagnosed as clinically depressed. Ironically, the diagnosis was a relief. It meant I was going to get better and there was a reason for feeling the way that I did.
After a few months of transition and career counseling support offered through the Game Plan program, I began to feel better and believed that I was going to overcome this life challenge. As much as I was perplexed about the fact that my perfect career match was bartending... I knew I finally had some answers to my questions.
Soon after, I applied for an extremely competitive job that involved an extensive hiring process. My confidence grew stronger every time I made it through the next level. And just a few weeks ago, I was offered the job of Sales Representative at Bristol-Meyer Squibb - A job I could have only dreamed of a year ago!
Having the support from Game Plan at the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary throughout my transition has truly helped me. If a lesson can be gleaned from my personal experience is that the transition phase does not have to be this difficult. My advice to all athletes is ‘don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are programs and people in place to help you through your transition.’
