For many athletes, sports are more than just a career; they become a part of their identity. As the spotlight fades and the competition ends, athletes often face an emotional and psychological crisis—losing not just a job, but a core part of who they are. A quick Google search shows the magnitude of this issue:
Kaetlyn Osmond, a former world figure skating champion, described retirement as more difficult than expected, resulting in a loss of her identity.
Picabo Street, an Olympic skier, experienced severe depression and considered suicide after an injury at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, admitted to feeling like a failure after his retirement.
Dominick Cruz, a UFC champion, shared how therapy helped him discover himself as a whole person, beyond his athletic accomplishments.
Niccolò Campriani, an Olympic gold medalist, feared he wouldn’t be as successful in life after sports.
George Koonce, a former NFL player, wrote about how football became his identity, and after retirement, he attempted suicide, feeling completely lost.
This loss of identity is not rare. The immense dedication, pressure, and public attention athletes receive create an identity often tightly intertwined with their sports performance. When the competition stops, so does the affirmation and sense of self that comes with it.
Why Do Athletes Struggle with Identity Loss After Retirement?
While sports teach valuable life lessons—such as perseverance, teamwork, and goal-setting—the flip side is that athletes often see themselves only through the lens of their accomplishments. Over time, they may lose touch with who they are beyond the gym, field, or arena.
The constant pursuit of success can make athletes believe their worth is tied solely to their performance. This mindset slowly pulls them away from understanding themselves outside of sports. Once their career ends, athletes face the daunting task of rediscovering who they are without titles, medals, and competition.
How Can We Support Athletes Through This Transition?
Helping athletes transition smoothly from their sports careers into everyday life is crucial to preventing identity loss. Here are some ways we can better support them:
Celebrate the Whole Person: Throughout an athlete’s career, it’s important to emphasize qualities that go beyond their accomplishments. Praise attributes like kindness, resilience, connection, and being a good teammate. This helps athletes develop a sense of self that isn’t solely tied to their sport.
Prepare for the Transition: As athletes near the end of their careers, it’s important to gently discuss the potential challenges they may face. While we don’t want athletes to focus too much on the transition before they’re ready, we also can’t ignore the difficulties they might encounter when they leave competition.
Teach Introspective Tools: Encourage mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion throughout an athlete’s career. These tools not only help them manage the stresses of high-level competition but also serve as a foundation for life after sports. When athletes understand themselves beyond their performance, the transition becomes less daunting.
Provide Post-Retirement Resources: As soon as athletes retire, offer resources like sports psychologists, therapists, mindfulness teachers, and support groups. These professionals can guide athletes through this period of change and help them rediscover their identity outside of sports.
Need Support Navigating This Transition?
Check out my online course, "Who Am I Now? The Transition to Life After Sport," where I offer mindfulness, journaling prompts, and holistic guidance to help athletes rediscover themselves beyond their sports identity.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling with life after sports. I’ve experienced this transition firsthand and offer compassionate and holistic support to those navigating this challenging time.
📧 Contact me at theresa@fit-intuit.com or visit www.fit-intuit.org to learn more.
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