by The Inevitable End of a Sports Journey
Every athlete’s career eventually comes to an end. Some leave at the peak of their fame, others — after serious injuries. But all face the same question: what comes next? For athletes used to daily training and regular competitions, retirement often becomes a serious challenge.
A Painful Goodbye to a Familiar Life
According to the International Olympic Committee, one-third of well-known athletes experience anxiety and depression. One in four athletes faces serious psychological difficulties after ending their careers.
The case of Jānis Timma in December 2024 became a painful lesson for the entire sports world. The basketball player couldn’t bear the weight of problems — career failures and personal turmoil.
The daily routine completely collapses. No more training sessions. The support of coaches and doctors disappears. Income drops sharply. For many famous athletes, this comes as a real shock.
The Sad Statistics of Great Names
Sports remember many tragic stories.
- Tamara Lazakovich shone at the Munich Olympics, received an apartment, a car, and nationwide love. Alcohol destroyed it all. Her body was found near a train station in Vitebsk.
- Vladimir Yashchenko set a world record in high jump at the age of 18. A knee injury ended his career. At 40, he died from post-alcoholic coma.
- Kira Ivanova won bronze at the 1984 Olympics. At 38, she was murdered in her own apartment — 17 stab wounds. Alcohol had already shattered her life.
- Yevgeny Belosheikin was an Olympic champion but failed to make it in the NHL. He lost his job, got divorced, fell into depression, and ended his life at 33.
Not All Stories End in Tragedy
Thankfully, not everything ends in tragedy. Many athletes have managed to start a new chapter and succeed in other fields.
- Vladislav Tretiak became a coach and politician, heading the hockey federation and excelling in public administration.
- Oleg Taktarov moved to the U.S. and became a Hollywood actor, starring in Predators, 15 Minutes of Fame, and more.
- Alexei Yagudin found success in television and theater, hosting ice shows and acting on stage.
- Igor Larionov became a winemaker, producing Larionov and Triple Overtime wines in the U.S. and Australia.
- Wayne Gretzky launched a wine business in Canada, donating part of the profits to charity.
Platforms like winwin help former athletes discover new business and digital career opportunities.
Staying in Sports — A Logical Choice
For many, the natural path is to remain in the industry.
- Coaching lets them use their experience.
- Officiating allows them to shape the sport’s future.
- Sports journalism combines expertise with communication skills.
Examples include:
- Igor Denisov — youth coach at Torpedo.
- Vladislav Bezborodov and Igor Yegorov — referees.
- Yevgeny Lovchev and Alexander Bubnov — sports journalists.
- Stanislava Komarova, Maria Kiselyova, and Anastasia Myskina — sports TV hosts.
New Opportunities in the Digital Age
Social media has opened up new avenues. Many athletes become bloggers and public figures.
- Evgenia Medvedeva hosts the YouTube show BeS Commentary.
- Dmitry Sychev and Fyodor Smolov run their own podcasts.
- Elena Beglova launched the sportswear brand begLOVA.
- Daniil Chalov founded Nichego Obychnogo, creating unique sports gear and merchandise.
The Importance of Planning for Transition
Early planning is key to a successful transition. Athletes are encouraged to start thinking about their next career before retirement.
- Alexander Ovechkin opened Ovechkin’s Office in Moscow, showcasing career memorabilia. It features a collaboration with hh.ru to find a career coach — Irina Korzh, an expert in unconventional career paths.
- Lawyer Mikhail Zagainov from the Financial University emphasizes education as the foundation for successful transition. The university offers special programs, internships, and job placements for athletes.
Sports Skills as a Professional Asset
Former athletes bring a strong skill set to new professions:
- Resilience under pressure
- Iron discipline
- Teamwork
- Goal-setting and achievement
- Habitual self-improvement
These qualities translate well into business and other fields. The same principles — step-by-step planning, perseverance, and handling setbacks — are universal.
Conclusion: A New Starting Point
Ending a sports career isn’t a dead end — it’s a new beginning. Preparation, support, and a willingness to learn are what define success after sports.
The tragedies of Timma, Lazakovich, and Yashchenko remind us of the importance of psychological support. The stories of Tretiak, Taktarov, and Yagudin show that second careers can be just as bright.
The key is not to fear change — and to use sports experience as the foundation for new achievements. True champions win far beyond the arena.
