As athletes continue to retire from competitive sport, it is important to remember that retirement doesn’t just mean hanging up your cleats or pads. It also means figuring out how to live the rest of your life. For many, this can be a difficult transition.
Whether it be retiring from swimming, tennis or even football, the end of an athlete’s career usually marks a major change in lifestyle. These changes can be psychologically challenging for athletes, as well as their parents and partners.
Tobin Heath, two-time Olympic gold medalist and US women’s soccer legend, retired from the game after a 13-year career. Her decision comes after a knee injury forced her to miss the last three years of her career. During that time, she became one of the most celebrated players in women’s sports history.
When deciding to retire, it’s important for athletes to keep their connections in the sport community. They should try to stay connected to their peers to help them find their self-identity outside of their sport. They should also find ways to keep physically active, which can be a challenge if they have been conditioned for decades on intense training schedules.
Just like an athlete would work with a team of experts to achieve peak performance, they should also do the same when it comes to their finances. Working with a wealth management expert can give them the peace of mind that they are prepared for the future, whatever it may bring.