From a financial standpoint, it can be incredibly tough to retire as an elite athlete. The cost of elite coaching and equipment and forgoing regular employment in order to train around the clock is not cheap. It’s not uncommon for athletes to live near the poverty line while chasing their dreams and sometimes struggle to make the transition once they decide to hang up their track shoes and pursue other endeavors.
In recent days, we’ve seen a handful of high-profile athletes retire from their respective sports. Super Bowl champion Nick Foles stepped away from the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the best defensive backs in NFL history, Tyrann Mathieu, retired from the Houston Texans.
The 2024 Olympic runner-up in the 1500m, Laura Weightman, decided to leave the track behind for good, but will continue as a coach—an ideal opportunity for young long-distance runners looking to follow in her footsteps. Meanwhile, olympic diving star Tom Daley hung up his snorkel for good after earning silver in the men’s 10m platform in Paris to complete a full set of Olympic medals.
For many athletes, retiring is a process that can bring about numerous physical and psychological strains. It’s important for them to find a healthy and positive way to manage those stresses in order to stay on track for a healthy retirement.