By Noemi Zaharia, OLY
(April 20, 2022)
Finding the right career choice is a tough decision for everyone, but elite athletes, especially Olympians struggle more than others with this decision. Recently two Olympic medalist swimmers were in the news due to criminal behaviors, with both alluding to the fact that they have struggled with what to do after retiring from their Olympic sport. Klete Keller, a multiple Olympic gold medalist American swimmer was arrested and charged in federal court for his participation in the Capitol Siege on January 6th. In a Sports Illustrated article written by Pat Forde on February 4, 2021, Keller is quoted saying about the jobs he was trying to hold, “This job sucks. It is not fulfilling. It is not going to get anything out of it. I’ve been an Olympian, and this doesn’t mean anything to me, anyway”. Washington Post’s Des Bieler reports on February 16th about the two-time Olympic medalist Australian swimmer Scott Miller who was arrested and accused of running a meth-dealing operation. Miller told an Australian court back in 2009 during his first run-ins with the law that “When my career was over, I just didn’t know what to do with my life. And his substance abuse “was to numb the pain of being finished … it became part of my life.”
While these are the most recent cases of Olympic athletes’ struggles brought to light, it also shows their struggle to adapt to civilian life after Olympic glory. These two athletes struggled to find a profession that would be as fulfilling as their athletic careers. Sports has offered a safe place for many Olympians during their career leading many to remain in the sporting world and coach the future generations. This raises an important question: why do so many elite athletes transition into coaching as a career?
One would argue that the experiences accumulated through the years drive Olympians to coach offering an avenue to share with the younger generation. Being able to relate to the struggles, and show the way to overcome them is part of the responsibility to inspire and motivate a new generation of athletes to work hard, set high goals, and achieve them through dedication and perseverance. Other athletes feel that this is the only career they can follow as it also offers structure and clear planning, a life they are accustomed to.
In a survey conducted by the author for her Doctoral dissertation, titled “Do Olympic medalists possess more leadership characteristics than Olympic non-medalists?”, 119 Olympic athletes were surveyed about leadership characteristics but also about their current careers. The group of Olympians surveyed was comprised of medalists (n =72) and non-medalists (n = 45) who competed in 11 individual or team sports, representing both genders, diverse age groups, and 20 countries from around the world. The surveyed participants were asked about their current profession. Out of the 119 Olympians, most (n=46) remained in the sporting world as coaches. Others chose professions associated with sports such as consultant (n=7), a college professor (n=4), teachers (n= 4), or physical therapist (n=1). While their guidance and influence on the future generation of athletes is important as they offer valuable personal experiences, guiding them to success, few Olympians have ventured into other professions. The current professions of the surveyed Olympians are displayed in Table 1.
Analyzing the correlation between the highest placement obtained in the Olympic Games of the 119 athletes surveyed and their chosen careers, an interesting pattern emerges. As most of the Olympians surveyed (n=72) were medalists, they were also in majority when choosing coaching as their current profession (n=29).
The author wanted to see if there was any correlation between the highest placement and career choice. Based on the data obtained from the surveyed athletes, out of the 26 Olympic gold medalists surveyed, 8 are currently coaching, 12 of the 26 Olympic silver medalists and 9 of the 20 Olympic bronze medalists chose to coach as their career. Additionally, when considering the highest placement obtained at the Olympic Games, athletes that placed in the top 8, (n= 100) of the 119 survey participants, the majority (n= 40) out of the total 46 have chosen the coaching profession as their career.
This leads to the question why? Do Olympic medalists feel more knowledgeable about the sport and what they can share with the future generation? These findings, while they were not the focus of the survey, shine significant light on the possible correlation between the highest placement at the Olympic Games and their chosen career.
On one hand, it’s indisputable that the Olympic athletes who have obtained their goal of winning an Olympic medal have the most extensive knowledge of the sport, its rules, the preparation process, how to deal with stressful situations, and how to overcome setbacks and injuries. They know and are ready to share the secrets of their beloved sport with the new generation of hungry athletes. They can become the best mentors for future athletes who are looking for a knowledgeable coach who also can inspire them to achieve their own goals.
On the other hand, Olympic athletes feel the most comfortable in the world of sport. Their happy place is the field, court, or pool. Continuing to live their lives through sport, through the accomplishments of the athletes who they discovered and prepared, is a dream. Having the opportunity to be in the competition setting, feel once again the adrenaline rush provided by a winning moment, is likely what guides and keeps Olympians in the coaching world.
The world of sports is what offered Olympians the opportunity to achieve their dreams, so remaining there for a while offers comfort and empowerment. Like everyone they want to choose a career where they feel they can contribute the most. Their own identity is linked to the sport their love and dedicated so much of their time, energy, and youth. Letting go of the world that offered so much success and joy, is hard, so some decided to dedicate their lives and give back to the sport that gave them so much. While the transition to life after high-level sports is tough, staying in this world as a coach makes everything smoother, and a more natural one due to the shared skill sets, knowledge base, dedication, and planning required to succeed.
References
Bieler, D. (2021). Olympic swimming medalist arrested, charged with running meth operations in Australia. The Washington Post. Retrieved from: Olympic swimmer Scott Miller charged with running meth operation – The Washington Post
Forde, P. (2021). Klete Keller: From the Olympic podium to the U.S. Capitol siege. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from: Klete Keller: From the Olympic podium to the U.S. Capitol siege – Sports Illustrated
Zaharia, N., (July 2020). Do Olympic Medalists Possess More Leadership Characteristics Than Olympic Non-Medalists? Presentation for Doctor of Education in Sport Management United States Sports Academy.
