The end of an athletic career is often a bittersweet time for athletes. They may have invested thousands of dollars into elite coaching and equipment, and had to forgo regular employment in order to train around the clock. As a result, retiring at a young age can be financially stressful, and many athletes find themselves on food stamps or credit card debt in the wake of their retirement.
Despite the challenges, many athletes do make a success of their post-athletic careers. They may have second careers in business, broadcasting or restaurants. Other retired athletes may focus on philanthropy, public speaking or mentoring young athletes. Some even enter politics or military service, like former New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez, and current Washington Redskins safety Tyrann Mathieu.
One such athlete who made a successful transition to retirement is women’s national soccer star Alex Morgan. The 28-year-old scored 123 goals with the USWNT, and is the third-highest goal scorer in league history. She recently shared a heartwarming story about a conversation she had with her 4-year-old daughter.
Athletes often retire early, either because of injuries or to prepare for life after sport. For example, a wrestler may decide to retire after winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, but have to wait another year to compete at the 2021 Games due to the pandemic. This can leave them feeling disappointed and frustrated, and can contribute to the feeling that they may have been left with unfinished business. For that reason, many athletes are advised to plan for their retirement as early as possible, and to consider their options carefully.
