In the past few weeks, big-name athletes have made headlines for hanging up their cleats. From Super Bowl hero Nick Foles to women’s sports pioneer Alex Morgan, retirement is no easy task for athletes who have spent most of their lives chasing their dreams.
Whether due to injury, age or a desire to pursue other interests, many athletes struggle to know when to call it quits. Some athletes, like Olympic champions Megan Rapinoe, Peter Sagan and Tessa Worley, have stepped away from international competition in 2023, but their legacy is still very much alive.
As a coach and athletic director, Mike Goforth has dedicated nearly two decades to college sports, earning widespread respect and recognition in the field of sports medicine and athlete well-being. During his tenure, he has guided Virginia Tech athletics through some of the biggest changes in collegiate sports history.
On Thursday, Goforth announced his retirement from the position, but he will remain involved with the school as an assistant professor and in other new ventures within the university. He will continue to work closely with the department’s sport medicine staff, which he built into one of the best in the nation.
It’s no secret that Olympic athletes can spend a lot of money going for gold. Thousands of dollars in elite coaching and equipment can add up quickly, while forgoing regular employment to train around the clock can strain families. Some have even reported relying on food stamps and racking up credit card debt in their early post-athletic years.