Lexi Thompson, one of the most successful female golfers in the world, has announced that she will retire at the end of this season, citing mental health concerns as a major factor in her decision.
Lexi Thompson, a 15-time winner on the LPGA Tour, made the announcement on Tuesday during the Women's U.S. Open, where she is playing in her 18th tournament. Thompson, who turned 29 in February, has been contemplating retirement for the past few years.
"I've struggled with it," Thompson said, fighting back tears. "I don't think there's somebody out here that hasn't. It's just a matter of how well you hide it, which is very sad."
Thompson's decision comes just days after the tragic loss of PGA golfer Grayson Murray, who died by suicide last Saturday. Thompson's announcement highlights the importance of mental health in professional sports, where athletes face immense pressure to perform at their best.
"It can get lonely," Thompson added. "I just think, especially with what's happened in golf, a lot of people don't realize … what we go through as a professional athlete. I'll be the last one to say ‘throw me a pity party.’ That's the last thing I want. But we're doing what we love. We're trying the best every single day, and we're not perfect. We're human, words hurt and it's hard to overcome sometimes …"
Thompson's plea for mental health awareness comes in the wake of Murray's death, which has raised questions about the mental well-being of athletes who are under intense scrutiny.
"I think it's a lot for everybody out here or for (people) in any professional sport," Thompson said. "A lot of people don't know what we go through, the amount of training and hard work that we put ourselves through. It's a lot, and I think we deserve a lot more credit than we get."
Thompson is known for her major championship performances, including her victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2014 when she was just 19 years old. She has also won the CME Group Tour Championship twice, in 2017 and 2021.
Thompson's retirement will mark the end of a remarkable career, but it will also serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports and beyond.
