Navigating the unknown after the finish line

Dóra Börcsök

I don’t think I need to introduce Michael Phelps to anyone, but I will. Twenty- three times Olympic champion American swimmer, the most successful Olympian of all time. In addition, he has struggled
for many years with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Many people may also have heard of Tom Brady, American football player and seven-time Super Bowl winner, who announced his retirement in 2022. The first one. Then the next one in 2023. In both cases, the success and achievements are unprecedented, the consequences less so.

After all, every child grows up dreaming. And I am not exaggerating when I say that millions of them dream of becoming Olympians, world champions or professional athletes. I also was one of them. Although only the luckiest ones achieve the dream, they have been striving for all their lives, but
all the athletes work the same and live the same life. But no one prepares us for the life that awaits
beyond the finish line.

For sportspersons, retirement is an overwhelming experience. After years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence, many of them find themselves lost in a world that seems to move on so easily. Transitioning from being a competitive athlete to «just a person» in society is more complicated than simply walking away from a sport. The process of retiring is much harder than expected, leaving many to fight with questions of identity, purpose, and direction. While the world celebrates athletes’ triumphs during their careers, there is very little said about what happens afterward.

Life after sports is not always as glamorous as the victories on the field. For many, even if they were just doing it for fun, it is the hardest decision of their life. Retiring from a sport that has defined your life for years is emotionally and mentally exhausting. Athletes are accustomed to a rigorous, structured routine — daily practices, training, and competition. These rituals shape not only their physical abilities but their sense of self. When that structure disappears, the void can be overwhelming.

One of the most profound challenges faced by retired athletes is the loss of identity. After years of being known as an athlete, it can be difficult to separate who you are from what you did. Many athletes go through an identity crisis, struggling to find meaning in a world that no longer recognizes them for their
achievements on the field. This loss of self can lead to depression, anxiety, or what some call «post-Olympic blues» — a period of deep emotional struggle once the accolades fade. I’ve spoken with many former athletes who have experienced this, and I have also felt it myself.

The transition can feel like a fall from grace, and the loss of purpose can be incredibly challenging. Moreover, athletes who achieve their life goals early often face the existential question: «What’s next?». After dedicating their lives to one pursuit, it can be hard to identify new goals or find direction when that pursuit is no longer available. Without a clear next step, many sportspersons feel like they’ve peaked too soon. The harsh reality is that most athletes aren’t prepared for life after sport. Too often, they don’t start thinking about their post- career life until it’s too late. This lack of preparation can lead to feelings of confusion and loss once the competitive years are over.

A major challenge is the lack of education and work experience beyond the sport. Sportspeople, especially those who begin their careers young, rarely have time to focus on their education. Training
schedules leave little room for academics, internships, or professional development. Even if athletes manage to earn degrees, they often lack the practical experience needed to transition into a traditional career. This creates a significant gap between their athletic accomplishments and their ability to adapt to a new professional environment.

The solution lies in proactive preparation. Sports organizations, coaches, and parents need to help athletes prepare for life beyond competition. Clubs and federations should provide programs and resources to help athletes pursue education, gain work experience, and prepare emotionally for the transition. Parents, too, need to take an active role in preparing their children for life beyond sports. While supporting athletic dreams is important, it’s equally essential to emphasize the value of education and personal development. Athletes should be encouraged to balance their athletic pursuits with academic
goals, hobbies, and life skills that will serve them well after retirement.

But the liability lies with the sportspeople too. Recognizing when the end is near — whether due to injury, age, or changing priorities — can give them a head start in preparing emotionally and practically. The earlier athletes begin considering their future, the more time they have to transition into a new role and build new skills. Pursuing education or part-time work while still competing can help ease the shift when the end of the career comes. Whethe through formal education or self- directed learning, athletes should
make an effort to expand their horizons outside the world of sports.

Sportspersons should not only be seen as athletes but as multidimensional individuals with the potential for success in many different fields. However, this requires preparation — both from the athletes themselves and the system that supports them. It’s time for a broader understanding that life after sport is not a void but an opportunity to reinvent, adapt, and thrive, but it is very hard to do it without any help.