For many athletes, going for Olympic gold means shelling out thousands of dollars for elite coaching and equipment while forgoing employment to train around the clock. And for some, those expenses can be too much. Athletes have reported relying on food stamps, running up credit card debt and even crowdfunding to make it to the Games.
As an athlete, you work hard to perfect your craft. But you can’t always anticipate how your career will end — whether it’s your choice or not. That’s why it’s important to be prepared when your time as a competitive athlete comes to an end.
Here are four athletes who thought they were ready to throw in the towel but ended up “unretiring” and coming back better than ever.
Athletes are often highly paid and successful at their sport, so they’re not used to adjusting to new roles like a vocation or family responsibilities. And they may also have to learn how to deal with weight gain or develop a fitness routine outside of the competitive context of their sport.
University of Queensland researchers have developed a digital intervention program called More Than Sport to help athletes navigate these challenges. The researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of this program with an eye towards expanding it to other sports and countries. Athletes who wish to participate in this program can contact their National Governing Body or International Federation to apply. The application period is open until June 30.