Slowing Pace and Dying Sweat

Abstract

This book examines athletes’ adaptation to retirement and thus analyses the subsisted athletic experiences and the opportunities and challenges among retired athletes in the North-South Rift Regions of Western Kenya. The study was informed by the need to examine in detail and document the impact and lived experiences of athletics among retired athletes in the North-South Rift Regions of Western Kenya. To realize the above, the study was bolstered by two theories: Social Constructivism theory and Self-efficacy theory. The literature reviewed, global, regional down, and local, helped identify the knowledge gap, hence the study’s justification. The philosophical paradigm that anchored this study was constructivist philosophy. The qualitative study applied historical research design, and the sampling procedure entailed using purposive and snowball sampling to arrive at knowledgeable informants. The sample size of 20 informants was determined by saturation. Data collected was from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources entailed archival materials such as artefacts and photographs, while unstructured interview schedules were used to collect oral data. The secondary sources were the books, theses, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Using the qualitative method, the study analyzed data thematically and presented the findings through narration, direct quotes and descriptive texts. Photographs were also used to present the findings. According to the research findings, the study established that subsisted experiences included controlled life and separation from family, travelling across the globe and the subsequent culture shock. Findings indicated double taxation, corruption, poor training facilities and doping as critical challenges. Others lacked the absorption capacity to invest the considerable money gained. The study thus recommends government-improved funding for sports and full implementation of the existing laws and policies. Further, there is a need for a fall-back support system for athletes. Keywords: Kenya, North-South Rift Valley, Sports, Subsisted experiences, Athletes, challenges, opportunities, Athletics