LIFE AFTER WINNING GOLD - I - EXPERIENCES OF AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS

To better understand the impact that winning an Olympic gold medal has upon athletes, a qualitative investigation of the experiences encount ered by Australian athletes who won an Olympic gold medal between 1984 -1992 was conducted. A total of 18 Olympic champions were interviewed on their experiences as gold medallists. While athletes recognized man y positive aspects associated with their Olympic wins, a large number of negative experiences were also recounted. The win created significa nt and long-lasting change to most athletes' lives. Evaluation and com parison of the athletes' personal experiences in relation to other Aus tralian gold medallists from this time period are discussed.