A LIFE AFTER SPORTS:
Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and [Soon] Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Every athlete will reach that point in their career where their competitive careers will end. At which point they will transition into a life without competitive sports, whether by choice, from injury, or age. How they transition into that life is entirely based on how they prepare and execute their transition.
Athletics require an all-in or nothing commitment, that when it is time to transition from competitive sports, many find it difficult. Kieran Ekeledo, also known as ‘The Athlete Educator,’ noted that, “Life after sport is a challenging period [for] athletes that must be approached with passion and due diligence.” For some athletes, life after competitive sport came with depression, loss of their athletic identity, stress or boredom, etc. And for some, it allowed them to live the dreams they had set aside while training and competing. Today, athletes like Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown, who have retired from competitive sport, use their athletic learning to complement their new life, doing the things they love.
Usain Bolt After Sports
Usain Bolt’s transition from competitive sport was one the world witnessed, which is hardly the same for most retired athletes. He not only announced his retirement long before he left the track but also openly talked about what he hoped to do. That move was synonymous with Usain’s character, which no doubt helped build his confidence as he transitioned. After telling the world, “My sports life is over,” the eight-time Olympic champion retired from competitive sports in 2017. Usain immediately pursued his dream to play professional football, then focused his energy on becoming a father and businessman. Today Usain is the proud father of three children, a music producer, recording artist, and multi-faceted businessman.
Veronica Campbell-Brown After Sports
Veronica Campbell-Brown officially announced her retirement in June 2021, just before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, bringing to an end one of the most successful careers in the international track and field. As the news sank in, the big question from Campbell-Browns fans was, ‘What would Veronica do next?’ For the 39-year-old Jamaican, the transition seemed to be a smooth one. Campbell-Brown, who became a mother in 2019, says she will continue to focus on her foundation and line of fitness products and motivational speaking engagements (Jamaica Gleaner, June 2021). Campbell-Brown’s family and business plans did not start after retirement but were developed throughout her career. Of course, they will now serve as the vehicles that transition her from competitive sports into a new season of life.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Life After Sports Coming Soon
In 2019, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce was included on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) list of 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. In 2021, Fraser-Pryce announced that she would retire after the 2022 World Athletics Championships. The four-time Olympian has a lifelong passion for helping underprivileged children, born of her own experience. Through her Pocket Rocket Foundation, her title as UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Jamaica (since February 2010), and Grace Goodwill Ambassador for Peace, she will undoubtedly continue her philanthropic service. Like Campbell-Brown and Usain Bolt, Fraser-Pryce started several businesses during her competitive years. As hard as it may be to let go of her love, the transition from competitive sports is expected to be smooth as she pursues her dream to inspire girls to go after their dreams. See her Twitter handle for details.
When an athlete’s career ends, transitioning may not be easy. However, prior planning and a strong support system can foster a smooth transition. The next season of life can preserve an athletic identity and harvest benefits by using different skills learned in sport. If you are an athlete or just transitioning from one season in life to another, remember your past is always preparing you for the future.
“Your experience is your best tool for the future” – Giannah Smith
#Usainbolt #Veronicacampbellbrown #Shellyannfraserpryce #lifeaftersport #Jamaicanathlete #Jamaicanrunner
