Jaanson takes his final bow

The legendary Jueri Jaanson of Estonia has hung up his oars and announced his retirement after an international rowing career that spanned more than 20 years.

Jaanson’s rowing career was dominated by the single scull and began under the Soviet Union before Estonia became a separate nation in 1991. Rowing for the Soviet Union Jaanson won his first World Champion title in 1990 as a 24 year old. He rowed at six Olympic Games and won his two Olympic medals (silver in 2004 and silver in 2008) in the later years of his career.

Late last year, as a 45 year old, Jaanson made the decision to retire. World Rowing talked to Jaanson about his career and decision.

World Rowing: What prompted the decision to retire?
Jueri Jaanson: I retired when I understood I don’t have enough power in my soul and body for good preparation for the London Olympics 2012. In the last two years, several damages appeared in my body including problems with my heart. Due to this I decided to take time off for recovery this summer, breaking competition season. But I did not feel strong and fresh last autumn for starting new preparation, so I found my time in rowing is over.

WR: How did you go about announcing your retirement?
JJ: I announced publicly in Estonia about my retirement through media, inviting them to a press conference at my rowing club in Pärnu.

WR: How has retirement from rowing changed your life?
JJ: Yes, life is different. I have more time for my family. I have more time for my hobbies, for my home, for myself. But it is also unusual not to concentrate to being the best.

WR: Do you intend to stay involved with the sport?
JJ: I am a member of my rowing club and I think sometimes I will go out to the water for some paddling. I try to stay in good fitness condition. In politics I promote and popularise developing sport conditions for the people. Sport as health strengthener is profitable for the economics of the state.

WR: Do you have a list of things you have been putting off until after retirement?
JJ: One thing I have put off until retirement was completion of study. I will see how I do this.

WR: Do you plan to do other sports?
JJ: Not at the moment  – I will do the same as I have always done.

WR: What stands out in your mind the most when you look back over your career?
JJ: I will always enjoy knowing that I had such a wonderful career. I was good individually and also as a team member.

WR: What will you miss the most? What will you miss the least?
JJ: It was a great career, I really do not miss anything, not even an Olympic gold, the only thing I did not get. I gave everything to win an Olympic gold medal and got lot of experiences and knowledges catching this. I have got many friends all over the world and I am happy about that.

I now would like to wish success and perseverance to all of my former competitors, also fortune to all of my rowing friends! I am thankfuI for the coaches and all the other people who have helped and guided me on my way to becoming the best. I am happy that they were and always will be part of my life.

Jaanson as Athlete of the Month, here.

Profile, here.

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