Frontiers in Sports and Active Living | 2026
Authors: Guidotti F.; Di Rocco F.; Romagnoli C.; Ciaccioni S.; Demarie S.; Capranica L.; Padua E.
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1722556
Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Year: 2026
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Cited by: 1
Introduction – The transition out of elite sports presents a complex array of psychological, financial, career, and social challenges requiring tailored and sustainable support services for elite athletes. Thus, this study explored policies, programs, and practices surrounding elite athletes' mental health, career transitions, and retirement support services. Methods – A tailored semi-structured survey was administered to major sports organizations to assess typology, modality, funding, and perceived challenges of services delivery to elite athletes. Results – Respondent organizations (n = 17, mostly National Olympic Committees) highlighted issues in ensuring athletes adequate support and a fragmented approach in services implementation and delivery. Services are offered mainly to medalists in international competitions. Access to external professionals (34%), awareness training (20%), and in-house psychologists (17%) resulted the most cited mental health support services. However, the sustainability and quality of services are affected by a lack of funding (41%) and different assessment methods. For career transitions and additional services, educational workshops (29%), career counselling (19%), nutrition (21%), financial (19%), social (19%), and travel/logistics (19%) support resulted the most cited, meeting athletes' practical needs related to performance and well-being through internal organizational support networks (40%) and coach/staff referrals (33%). Discussions – Results highlighted the absence of regulatory frameworks for career assistance and temporary initiatives/activities or informal support as the common practice. Multi-faceted programs and comprehensive, athlete-centered systems are needed to foster a sustainable and effective support for elite athletes. © 2026 Guidotti, Di Rocco, Romagnoli, Ciaccioni, Demarie, Capranica and Padua.
career retirement; career support; elite athletes; mental health support; survey