アメリカのアイスダンサー、
パーソンズ兄妹の妹・レイチェルが引退を発表しました。
I’ve written and rewritten this post so many times I’ve lost count. Sometimes feelings and thoughts are difficult to put into words, and this is definitely one of those times.
I’ve decided to take a step back from skating. It’s the most difficult choice I’ve ever had to make, but I have to focus on my health and happiness. I feel like people (including myself) often gloss over their problems to create this image of “perfection”, especially online, but it’s really important for me to be honest and open with you all about this. I’ve been struggling with an eating disorder for years now, and it’s not something I can keep ignoring or trying to manage on my own.
We all know figure skating is a sport where it’s hard to be successful without a certain physical appearance. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was thirteen years old, and it has fluctuated a lot throughout my career. It’s extremely difficult to wake up in the morning, look in a mirror, and hate what you see. Then imagine you have to put on a skintight dress and compete in front of a large crowd, on national television, in a sport that’s largely judged on appearance. It’s hard. Actually it’s terrifying. I’m proud of myself for pushing through for as long as I have. Now I’ve decided I need to put myself first and take the time to get the help I need. Skating has given me so much. I was able to travel all over the world, make so many unforgettable memories, meet the most incredible people, and compete proudly for my country. To experience all of this with my big brother by my side has been the best part. This sport has made me who I am today. I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who has supported Michael and me through the years. I want to say a huge thank you to our friends, family, coaches, everyone at US Figure Skating, our sponsors who have made this dream possible and everyone else who helped us along the way, I feel so blessed.
I’m not sure what this new chapter of my life will bring, but I’m excited about the future. I’ll continue to cheer Michael on as he continues on this incredible journey for the both of us, I’ll just be rooting for him from the stands.
Love always, Rachel
今日のお昼休みにこのニュースを目にして、
思い出しては涙が出てくるんですけど、
何より理由がショックすぎて…。
彼女の健康と今後のことを考えたら、
これ以上続けてとはとても言えない。
本当に本当にとても好きなカップルで、
多分去年のかなクリの解散よりもショック大きくて、
このブログにも何度となく話題にしてきた組なので、
覚えている方も多いかと思います。
アイスダンスはシングルに比べてベテラン組が多いので、
なかなかジュニアからあがってすぐには上に来ないけど、
次の世代の中では本当に将来有望な、
オリンピックでもいつかメダルをとれる可能性のある
とても実力あるカップルでした。
兄は新しいパートナーを探して競技を続けてくれるようです。
今後の2人に健康と幸福（と兄には素敵なパートナーが現れること）を
心から祈っています。
…とは言ってもね。
多分、ロスで当分気分が浮上できないと思うワ(ＴｍＴ)
