Athletes are no strangers to competition, and today, many are taking that same drive for excellence beyond their sport. As training schedules demand more and more of their time, the moments in between have become a valuable opportunity for career development.

Take Kristy Wallace, for example. The Paris 2024 Olympian and WNBA player spent her recent summer break not only resting her body but also strategically planning for life after basketball. Wallace used her downtime to volunteer and complete short courses—activities she believes are essential for athletes aiming to develop their skills and careers off the court.

“This summer, I was able to step back from sport, which gave me the chance to upskill, explore new avenues, and allow my body and mind to rest,” Wallace explained. “I think it’s crucial for athletes to develop themselves holistically—whether it’s through sports resources or other avenues. Each stage of an athlete’s career presents a new chance for growth.”

Wallace’s approach aligns with Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy, which emphasises the importance of blending sport with education for the betterment of athletes, both in performance and in life after sport. The strategy champions well-rounded athletes and aims to ensure they have the tools to succeed long after retirement.

Mel Tantrum, Head Paralympic Coach at Swimming Australia, echoes Wallace’s message, stressing that downtime can be an ideal time for athletes to focus on career development. She encourages athletes to seek hands-on experience through volunteering, a valuable way to build skills, gain experience, and network with professionals who can aid in a smooth career transition.

“Volunteering not only helps you develop essential skills but also connects you with people who can support your career growth,” Tantrum said. “It’s important to make the most of the resources and programs available, like Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Managers, and connect with the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Career Practitioner Referral Network.”

Winter Olympian Fedele de Campo is another athlete who took these recommendations to heart. He participated in the AIS Virtual Internship Program, a unique opportunity that allowed him to gain experience in his passion for technology while continuing his training and competition schedule. He worked with a small startup, ANTL, and used the experience to complement his computer science degree.

“I highly recommend the AIS Virtual Internship Program,” de Campo said. “It’s a flexible opportunity that allows you to advance your career while balancing the demands of being an athlete. I also think taking the time to think about potential career options outside of sport can be incredibly motivating.”

For athletes looking to take the first steps toward career development, there are plenty of options. Enrolling in online courses, attending webinars, networking, or seeking out work experience are all valuable ways to build a foundation for the future. The AIS offers various personal development programs, and athletes can also reach out to career support via email at career_and_education@ausport.gov.au.

Whether you’re training for the next big competition or taking a break, making time for personal growth can pay dividends in both your athletic career and life beyond the sport.

Story Courtesy: Australian Sports Commission