When an athlete spends all their time engaging in their sport, it can become the most essential part of who they are. They can be so tightly attached to their athletic identity that sport stops being "what they do" to become "who they are". This can have dramatic consequences. What happens when the athlete gets injured or doesn't get the results, he/she was looking for?
"Identifying closely with your career isn’t necessarily bad, it makes you vulnerable to a painful identity crisis if you burn out, get laid off, or retire. Individuals in these situations frequently suffer anxiety, depression, and despair." Psychologist Janna Koretz, Harvard Business Review |
This is why it is important to encourage young athletes to engage in multiple sports and activities and older athletes to develop interests outside of sports to balance their growth and personal development. Help us share that message!
#MorethanAthletes
VOICE YOUR SUPPORT, TAKE THE PLEDGE!
We need sporting organizations, coaches, and athletes across the world to talk about the benefits of developing beyond sports. That message must be delivered by those leading the industry to have a strong impact and to normalize the conversation around personal development and athletic retirement to:
- Support athletes' well-being,
- Mitigate the pressure of elite sports, and
- Extend athletes' sporting career.
Showing your support is a simple as 1-2-3!
- Fill out the form below to show your interest.
- Sign the pledge and publish it.
- Receive and share resources that support athletes beyond sports.
SHARE YOUR SUPPORT
Show and share your support to athletes on social media by posting the pledge and using the hashtags #MorethanAthletes and #MoreThan.