The several stages of athlete retirement

For years, elite athletes train extensively, making many personal sacrifices and commitments in order to pursue their life-long dreams of sporting success. As they chase after their athletic aspirations, they’re often left with the decision to put certain things on hold and such tremendous commitment to their chosen sport can sometimes mean family life, romantic relationships and even academic endeavours are left on a back burner. For elite athletes, at the prime of their careers and indeed, on the journey towards getting there – sport is at the centre of everything they do; and in the midst of the highs and lows, the daunting concept of retirement slips far from the mind. However, like all good things must, the journey will come to an end and the time must come for an athlete to bid farewell to the sporting career they’ve nurtured for so many years.