Kathy Johnson, a former gymnast, poignantly recalled her retirement 40 years ago after securing a bronze medal on the balance beam, reflecting on the emotional journey that led her to that moment. Meanwhile, Nino Salukvadze of Georgia announced her retirement after a remarkable career spanning ten Olympic Games since 1988, making her the first female athlete to achieve this milestone; she dedicated her final appearance to her late father and coach. Salukvadze's journey included financial struggles and near-retirements, but she ultimately honored her father's wishes for one last Olympic push. In contrast, British windsurfer Emma Wilson expressed her frustration after narrowly missing gold at the Paris Olympics, suggesting she might retire due to the mental toll of competition formats that disadvantage top performers. Wilson, who won bronze in both Tokyo and Paris, criticized the scoring system, emphasizing the need for better mental health considerations for athletes. These stories highlight the diverse emotional landscapes faced by athletes as they conclude their competitive journeys.