In the world of sports, retirement can come at an unexpected time. Whether they’re injured or just reaching the end of their careers, athletes can be left struggling to adjust to life after sport. But some athletes take on new challenges and find ways to keep their passions alive, even after putting their athletic shoes up for good.
Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist and eight-time World Cup champion, is returning to competition for the first time since 2022 at age 40. The announcement comes six years after her last Olympics and four years after she retired from skiing with a back injury.
According to a study by the University of Leeds, some athletes struggle with transitioning out of their sport. The research suggests that the way an athlete is pushed and influenced at a young age can impact their mental state once they retire. It’s a crucial point to consider because athletes tend to start their careers much younger than most people, and often face pressure to not retire until they are deemed old enough by their peers and fans.
Athletes who decide to return to competition may also have to adhere to their specific National Governing Body’s rules on re-entry, which may include mandatory drug testing. For example, the USOPC says athletes who wish to compete again should contact their governing bodies to confirm if they’re eligible for re-entry.
