Leaving The Ice, Finding Myself: A Conversation With Emir Ercan

You can find Emir on Instagram and through Mind To Muscle in Barrie, OntarioKeywordsmental performance, ice dancing, athlete transition, coaching, resilience, sports psychology, identity, competition, strength training, personal growth.SummaryIn this episode of the Mental Game Gym podcast, host Andrew Crome speaks with Emir Kan, a three-time Turkish national ice dance champion, about his journey from competitive athlete to strength and conditioning coach. Emir shares insights on the mental challenges faced during his athletic career, the importance of resilience, and how he helps young athletes navigate their own journeys. The conversation delves into the transition from sport, the search for identity, and the lessons learned from competition that shape Emir's coaching philosophy today.TakeawaysEmir Kan is a three-time Turkish national ice dance champion.He transitioned from competitive skating to strength and conditioning coaching.Mental resilience is crucial for athletes during and after their careers.Finding a supportive partner in ice dance is essential for success.Emir emphasizes the importance of asking for help as an athlete.Failure is a part of the journey and should not deter athletes.Success is a continuous journey, not a destination.Coaching is about understanding and empathizing with athletes' struggles.Rediscovering passion in sports can lead to new opportunities.It's important for athletes to prepare for life after sport.