Olympic Athletes' Transition from Sport to Workplace

Abstract

Research has supported the need for strategies to assist elite athletes with transition from full-time athletic activity to the work place. Early intervention with coaches' and peers' support programs have mediated the problems associated with the termination of athletic careers. The present study is a report about 57 prominent Olympians from 12 disciplines spanning 60 years of competitive sports. Analysis of the data suggests that focussed efforts early in the athletes' careers assisted preparation for life after the full athletic activity. Mentors not only assist in the athletes' careers but also offer guidance and counsel during later life.