Beyond the Olympic Flame: Navigating the Transition to a New Career

As the Olympic Games commence in Paris, athletes from around the world are competing at the peak of their abilities. Yet, the reality of an Olympic career is its brevity. For most, the window of opportunity is narrow, and the need to transition from the heights of athletic success to a new career is inevitable. This moment of transition can be daunting, but it’s also a gift. Because in today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a lifelong career in a single profession is becoming increasingly rare. Technological advancements, economic shifts, and evolving market demands are driving shorter career life cycles across all industries. Professionals must now navigate frequent changes, continuous learning, and multiple career transitions. This dynamic landscape requires agility and a willingness to reinvent oneself regularly. For Olympians, whose athletic careers are inherently brief, this trend mirrors their own experiences, that the day after what we are doing now is sure to come and we need to be prepared. If you look closely, you’ll probably discover it’s relevant for you too.

1. Direct Sports-Related Careers

The obvious safety net career is the closest to home. Olympic athletes possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their sport, making them ideal candidates for careers that remain closely tied to the athletic world. Their experience, discipline, and deep understanding of training and competition allow them to excel as coaches, mentors, sports commentators, and administrators. These roles enable them to share their insights, guide future athletes, provide expert analysis, and contribute to the organization and management of sporting events. By staying connected to the sports community, they continue to inspire and shape the future of their disciplines.

Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, and Tara Lipinski, an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, both became prominent sports commentators for networks such as BBC and NBC. Sebastian Coe, a middle-distance runner who won two Olympic gold medals, transitioned into sports administration, playing a key role in organizing the London 2012 Olympics and later becoming the President of World Athletics.

Apply to your career: What other careers can you pursue within your current field or industry that represent a natural progression from your current role? How can your existing expertise and experience be leveraged in new, yet related, ways?

2. Leveraging Personal Brand

Personal brands differentiate you from anyone else with your credentials. That is why some people’s names always come up in the context of certain projects, opportunities, and promotions. The fame and recognition gained from competing in the Olympics provide athletes with a powerful personal brand that can be leveraged in various entrepreneurial and media ventures. Their stories of dedication and success resonate with audiences, making them compelling figures in business, media, and entertainment. This visibility opens doors to opportunities such as starting businesses, endorsing products, and engaging in television or film projects. By capitalizing on their public image, athletes can build successful careers that extend their influence beyond the sports arena.

Summer Sanders began working on television while still competing. Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, became an actor and has appeared in a number of films. Lewis owns a marketing and branding company named C.L.E.G., which markets and brands products and services including his own. Michael Phelps used his swimming success to secure major endorsement deals and used some of the earnings to set up the Michael Phelps Foundation, focusing on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Apply to your career: Reflect on the image you have among your colleagues and within your professional network. What do people come to you for advice or consultation about, even if it’s not part of your formal job description? Consider what value you bring, who needs it, and what they might call it when looking for someone like you. By understanding and articulating your personal brand, you can identify new opportunities to leverage your reputation and expertise in entrepreneurial ventures or new professional roles.

3. Philanthropy and Social Impact

In many situations, where pay is no longer a central consideration, people focus their next career around what matters to them, including social and philanthropic causes. The COVID-19 pandemic further deepened this trend, as evident by the “Great Reshuffle,” which highlighted how employees are rethinking their jobs, driven by a desire for more fulfilling work environments and meaningful contributions to society. This is true also for Olympians, who often have a strong desire to give back to their communities and use their platform for social good. Their visibility and influence provide them with unique opportunities to drive social change through philanthropy and advocacy. By leading or founding non-profit organizations, they can address issues they are passionate about, such as education, health, and youth development. Their commitment and leadership skills make them effective advocates and organizers, capable of making a significant impact on society and inspiring others to contribute to meaningful causes.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a track and field Olympian, founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, supporting youth development through education, health, and sports programs. Usain Bolt, eight-time Olympic gold medalist possibly still the fastest man on Earth, established The Usain Bolt Foundation which focuses on education and cultural development for children in Jamaica. Two-times Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes founded The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to empower young people facing disadvantage by using sport to transform their lives. 

Apply to your career: Reflect on the causes and issues you are passionate about, your hobbies, and your volunteering activities. There comes a point in one’s career where these can turn into the essence of what you do. How can you align your skills, experience, and influence with your values and passions? By identifying opportunities to lead or contribute to non-profit organizations, advocacy, or community development initiatives, you can make a meaningful impact on society.

4. Build a New Career Around Core Capabilities and Skills

The evolving world of work allows you to build on your skills and capabilities and evolve your career into completely new areas. Like in many other professions, the core skills developed during an Olympic career—such as discipline, resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership—are highly transferable to other professional contexts. Athletes can apply these capabilities in roles like motivational speaking, corporate leadership, consultancy, and the health and wellness industry. Their ability to inspire and lead by example, combined with their strategic mindset, makes them valuable assets in any field that values high performance and dedication. These careers allow them to share their insights and drive success in new and diverse environments.

Kristi Yamaguchi leveraged her Olympic fame in figure skating to become a successful entrepreneur and author. She founded the Always Dream Foundation and has written several popular children’s books, using her story to inspire and educate. Eric Heiden transitioned from a five-time Olympic gold medalist in speed skating to an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Shaun White, an Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding, capitalized on his brand by launching his own clothing line and engaging in various media projects.

Apply to your career: The first step here is to stop defining yourself through your profession or the roles you did and learn to talk about the value you bring. Who needs that value and what do they call it in other industries? By identifying areas where your skills and experiences can add value, you can build a rewarding career in a new field.

The journey from the Olympic flame to a new career is a testament to the universal challenge of career transition. Whether you are an athlete, a military veteran, or a professional navigating the dynamic landscape of modern work, the need to adapt and reinvent oneself is a constant. As the examples of Olympians show, there are many possible career trajectories that you can pursue by building on your skills and capabilities. The shortening career life cycles don’t have to be daunting; they can serve as an opportunity to reflect on your values and strengths, and explore how they can translate into new, rewarding career paths. Just as Olympians transition from the pinnacle of their sports careers, you too can find new ways to apply your talents and continue to achieve greatness in your professional life. Embrace this journey with confidence, and let your next chapter be as remarkable as the last.