Retirement?
The decision to retire is one that many athletes will ultimately have to face. It is a point in our lives where we must give up a passion built on years of sacrifice and sweat, and the transition will affect both the athlete’s physical and mental health. Let's delve into every aspect of retirement: why people need to retire, the process, future exercise, and more.
Why retirement?
One of the most important decisions an athlete makes in their career is when to retire. While some may quit their sport after high school, others may choose to continue during and after college. Knowing when and how to retire is crucial to both the preservation of the body and personal contentment.
There are three main reasons an athlete will retire:
The most important being physical health. If the athlete is not able to keep up with the intensity and rigor demanded of the sport, it may be an indicator that retirement is nearing. Deteriorating physical health is the main reason why NFL players have a truncated professional life.
The second reason is being rejected from a college or professional team. Without that source of income, being rejected by a professional team will require the athlete to quit and look for a viable job.
Athletes looking to pursue higher education may wish to dedicate time to other interests.
The process:
It is extremely rare to find an athlete that plays their sport one day, then never again after the next. Retirement is a process that will start with athletes competing less frequently, training less, or giving themselves entire days or weeks off their sport. This way, the athlete has time to adjust to their new upcoming lifestyle.
What next?
The main problems to address after retirement are physical and mental health. Although athletes exercise often, they may not fully understand the long-term benefits of continuing cardiovascular and fitness training after retirement. Athletes should still integrate exercise in their daily routine in order to maintain fitness. One should also consider the loss of identity that comes with retirement; the analogy “fish out of water” captures this feeling.
Final thoughts:
Retirement from athletics marks the start of a new chapter, complete with its own set of problems and possibilities. While the adjustment can be difficult, recognizing the reasons for retiring, carefully managing the process, and concentrating on overall well-being can lead to a satisfying life beyond sports. Embracing change and discovering new hobbies are essential to transcending the athletic world.
Sources:
Coping with Athlete Retirement. https://www.trine.edu/academics/centers/center-for-sports-studies/blog/2021/coping_with_athlete_retirement.aspx. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.
“Life after Sport: Why Athletes Need to Prepare.” Athlete365, https://olympics.com/athlete365/whitepaper/life-after-sport-why-athletes-need-to-prepare/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.
moneysmart. “The Athlete’s Career: Knowing When to Retire from Field Play.” The Sports Financial Literacy Academy, 18 Mar. 2020, https://moneysmartathlete.com/financial-psychology/the-athletes-career-knowing-when-to-retire-from-field-play/.