When big-name athletes retire, the world usually wants to know what they’ll do next. The answer to that question varies, but one thing is certain: retiring can bring with it physical and psychological strains that not everyone is prepared for. Athletes, coaches, partners and parents all have to make adjustments to this transition.
This week, Ariarne Titmus swam into retirement after a remarkable career that saw her become a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the second best female scorer in NBA history behind LeBron James. In a thoughtful video, she shared that “all the dreams I ever had for myself have come true,” but also that her work is far from over.
Another athlete making headlines with her retirement announcement is Alex Morgan. The former National Women’s Soccer League star, who was shockingly left off the USA Olympic roster this summer, posted a heartwarming video on Thursday in which she thanked her fans for their support. Morgan, who has 123 goals with the U.S. women’s national team, praised the help of her teammates and coaches, particularly those from her first stint with the San Diego Wave. She notably played alongside Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm during her early career, experiences that gave Morgan confidence she belonged.
While the decision to retire can be difficult for an athlete, it’s often a relief for their family and friends. They no longer have to worry about attending competitions or scheduling training sessions, but the transition to a new life can still be stressful. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that athletes can plan for the challenges ahead and prepare themselves for a long and successful retirement.