Lydia Ko admitted she had been contemplating retirement from professional golf
"I have great days and I'm like, I want to play as long as I can, and then I have days where I wake up with a sore low back and I'm like, 'I don't think I can make it anymore.'"
Lydia Ko has captured huge attention, even from those who don’t usually follow golf. The brilliant golfer from New Zealand achieved a major milestone by winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, bringing happiness not only to herself but to her entire nation. Remarkably, Ko has been in the spotlight for a decade, having turned professional at the age of 16. She had previously earned a silver medal in Rio and a bronze medal in Tokyo.
Despite her impressive career achievements, it seems Ko does not have many concrete plans for the future. In a recent media interview, the 27-year-old golfer expressed her focus on upcoming tournaments and the challenges ahead. She admits that she often contemplates retirement, feeling highly motivated on some days while struggling to find motivation on others. Ko’s experience highlights the challenges of being a professional athlete, but she manages to push through the moments of low motivation.
Currently, Ko isn’t sure when she will retire. Her approach is to take things one day at a time and see where life leads her. For now, Ko is enjoying the successes of her career and cherishing the present moment. “I mean, I know I’m playing the Scottish Open next week and the British Open the week after. There’s still so much golf to be played this season. You know, I have great days and I’m like, I want to play as long as I can, and then I have days where I wake up with a sore low back and I’m like, ‘I don’t think I can make it anymore.’
So, I don’t think there is a specific date, and now that I’ve got in the Hall of Fame, I don’t know if that affects anything. But for now, I just want to enjoy this moment.”-Lydia Ko said, as quoted by Golf Monthly. Lydia Ko has been impressive this season. In addition to winning the gold medal in Paris, she has achieved several victories on the LPGA Tour. The Chevron Championship proved to be a great tournament for her, as she clinched this Major title. Moreover, the 27-year-old golfer also won another Major, The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, demonstrating that she is currently in top form and possesses superior qualities.
Lydia Ko has been impressive this season. In addition to winning the gold medal in Paris, she has achieved several successes. She was particularly impressive at the start of the season, securing a victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Additionally, she finished second at the LPGA Drive On Championship. The CPKC Women’s Open also proved to be a strong tournament for her, where she ended up T8. However, this result is below her usual standard, and she expects more from herself. Ko hopes that after winning the Olympic gold, she can deliver her best and achieve outstanding results.
Lydia Ko has shared her reflections on her career and the season. This great golf explained that golf has provided her with immense happiness and opportunities, and she recognizes that her career may not last as long as it initially seemed. She is determined to savor her time on the course and aims to play her best golf while she is still actively competing. Ko also mentioned that winning the gold medal has alleviated some pressure from her, allowing her to focus more on her performance. She has noticed progress over the past few months and is looking forward to seeing how she will finish the season, including her final major. She plans to evaluate her career’s direction as she moves forward.
Lydia Ko: I had the most unbelievable experience in my three times playing the Olympics
After her amazing performance at the Olympics, New Zealander Lydia Ko could not hide the emotions she felt. She demonstrated that the Olympics is a stage where she performs remarkably, and after securing bronze and silver in previous editions, this year she set her sights on gold and achieved it. Ko highlighted that this experience was incredible for her, just as the previous two Olympic Games had been. The 27-year-old golfer is proud of her accomplishment, but still in disbelief at the feat she has achieved. Ko carded a one-under 71 in her final round, outperforming her competitors. Esther Henseleit took silver, while Lin Xiyu earned bronze.
“I had the most unbelievable experience in my three times playing the Olympics,” said Ko. “I kept telling myself, ‘I’m so proud of myself’. I don’t ever really say that. I feel like that’s a weird thing to tell yourself, but I kept saying I’m proud of myself no matter what happens. To be holding gold right now, it’s crazy. I can’t believe it.”