The last few weeks have seen a flurry of athlete retirement news, from New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu to Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Carter. For most athletes, retiring is a huge adjustment. They’ve spent their entire lives preparing for one moment and have to quickly adapt from training around the clock to living on a minimum wage with little support. It can lead to psychological strain and it’s important that athletes have a good support network to help them deal with this transition.
For some, though, the decision to retire is a permanent one. Michael Phelps, who is the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time with 22 medals, hung up his swimsuit after 2012’s Olympics. He said he was tired of “training all day, and all night” and that it was time to give something back.
Emma McKeon, Australia’s most-decorated Olympian with 14 medals, is another example of an athlete who was ready to throw in the towel – but didn’t. After retiring from competition, she has been involved with promoting the Olympic Games and is now an athletics coach.
Thankfully, many athletes who have come out of retirement find that they miss the connection and sense of achievement that comes from sport. They also often enjoy the lifestyle that comes with it and have a passion for connecting with people. Athletes should consider this when deciding to retire and keep in mind that they can always “un-retire” if they want to!