I think finances may have been a huge factor in PJs decision. During a recent TV interview he spoke about the struggle to finance his skating due to a complete lack of funding. I think he said the sport was 90% struggle, which is so sad when something that he so obviously loves and is so talented at is made so hard. I also remember a few years ago reading or watching something which reported the huge financial burden that was placed on his family. It stuck with me because it was mentioned that they sometimes struggled to eat properly and often resorted to beans on toast.
Perhaps when he talked about an enormous weight been lifted from his shoulders he was referring to the extra pressure that an athlete must put upon themselves when they know the sacrifices that those around them make.
It is so sad that U.K. sport cannot help athletes such as PJ and if they keep to their current funding strategy it will be no different after the upcoming Olympics.
He also talked about now having a normal life; well I hope that will include building lots of new dreams and memories that he hopefully now will be able to afford.
I am also sure that he will pass on his enthusiasm, character, positivity and love of the sport to all of his pupils. It will be great for the sport to see lots of little PJs coming through the ranks.
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