Importance of developing a dual career for athletes

 Athletes have to think about continuing their career after achieving top results in competitive sport. The many projects and programs of the Olympic Committee to support the athletes and to contribute to the development of their dual career.

A three-day event with practical workshops was held in Portorož between 17th and 19th November 2017, in order to educate young perspective athletes and to encourage them to actively develop a dual career under the auspices of the Coca-Cola Academy of Youth.
 
Practical workshops designed by renowned experts from various fields were attended by more than 40 young athletes from the ages of 18 to 25, and the experiences were shared by former top Slovenian athletes. "The Youth Academy was an opportunity for young athletes to acquire or upgrade their knowledge in the field of psychology, communication, creation of a sports brand, sales, finances and preparation of a personal business plan that will help them find a job. They learned how to become an example to others based on Olympic values ​​and how to develop qualities that are crucial for top athletes, " says Petra Robnik, who is in charge of developing a double career of athletes at the Slovenian Olympic Committee. She adds:" When a sportsman is entering the labor market, his education and qualifications are crutial. He also needs to be able to transfer his knowledge acquired in sports to the business environment. "
 
"The coach must be aware of the school successes of his peers and must also support them in achieving results in the school field. It is important for an athlete to build two career at the same time, and today the system also makes it well, "adds Raša Sraka, one of the most successful Slovenian judoists.
 
Mag. Aleš Vičič, a sports psychologist, emphasizes: "After the end of a professional career, the athlete is forced to build another identity. Of course, this transfer is not easy and needs to be well prepared. It is necessary to set completely new goals and accept that your service will now also be different in content, it will not bring as much excitement as the apprentice was used to. Of course, he has an athlete who successfully transfers the characteristics of professional sport - ambition, self-esteem, hard work - to a great competitive advantage."

Photo from: olympic.si