ATHLETE TRANSITION

Pursuing a physical ability to the point that a career is established by training to the point of exhaustion is a lifelong process that requires dedication, discipline and focus. The process of transition from a career as an athlete is not an easy one and redefining the meaning of success a hurdle many athletes struggle with. When success has been measured in such tangible ways (by crossing a line first, scoring more points, being faster than your competitors) how does success translate to ordinary life?

The world of sport is vastly institutionalised which causes tremendous stress to the athlete as s/he attempts to acclimatise to to a life outside such a closed world. Transition is often fraught with indecision and insecurity, the sense of bereavement pervasive. Leaving a culture where the feeling of belonging is strong, the elation of performing addictive and the lifestyle both exciting and privileged can be traumatic and confusing. It is also a relatively poorly paid profession despite the contribution to society’s cultural landscape; this adds to the psychological disadvantage that athletes face at the point of retirement.