Whether it’s professional athletes or amateur long-time competitors, athlete retirement news is often front and center. But what does it mean to retire, especially in a high-profile sport? And are those who retire truly prepared for the psychological strains of this change?
Two-time women’s world cup champion Alex Morgan announced her retirement from soccer Thursday. The 28-year-old is leaving a legacy of 123 goals for the U.S. women’s national team, the third-most in league history. In a tearful social media video, Morgan reflected on her career and spoke about a recent conversation with her 4-year-old daughter in which the girl told her she wanted to be a soccer player when she grows up.
Athletes who are unprepared for the transition from sport can experience significant stress and struggle to find meaning in their lives after retiring. This is particularly true for athletes who have never experienced this life before, such as elite athletes.
According to a scoping review, those who prepare for retirement by exploring their interests outside of sport and developing a support network have a much better experience than those who don’t. Athletes can prepare for retirement by reading up on the topic, reaching out to former teammates and coaches who have gone through a similar process and participating in activities that are not related to their sport.
Athletes who are struggling with depression, drug and alcohol problems or weight issues should also seek professional help to assist with the transition from athlete to non-athlete. They should also make sure they’re financially secure, as it can be difficult to move from a high-income lifestyle to living on minimum wages.