Life After Sport
The USOPC recognizes that behind each Team USA Athlete is a person with hopes, goals, and dreams that are as intense and real as the ones you have for the field of play. You are unique individuals with unique aspirations that go beyond sport and we want to see you succeed on whatever path you decide to take next. We offer a variety of resources that are designed to help you take that next step towards the passions that lie ahead in your life after sport.
After 6 years of struggling alone, I finally opened the Team USA Athlete update email and discovered a wealth of resources, programs, and support services that I wish I had known about sooner.
2016 Olympian, 2022 Pivot Participant
Retirement and what that means for you.#
Retiring from Team USA means that an athlete has decided to end their career in competitive sports at the national or international level. This decision is a personal choice, or a desire to pursue other interests or career opportunities. While retirement can come about for a variety of individual reasons, we know that this change can often bring up a lot of uncertainty and questions. Your time in sport might be coming to an end but you are also joining a strong community of other Team USA alumni.
Retirement is a significant decision, and it is completely normal to feel uncertain about it. You are not alone in navigating this important transition. It is often helpful to speak to others and share your thoughts with the network of support around you, such as family, friends, coaches, or trusted NGB staff. In addition, our Athlete Services team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need guidance, do not hesitate to contact us at athleteservices@usopc.org.
We offer a variety of resources to help you make an informed decision, including access to our Psychological Services team and mental health support. These professionals can provide you with valuable insights and coping strategies to address any concerns or emotions you might be experiencing. Additionally, our team can connect you with career counseling, financial planning, and other support services tailored to your needs.
Remember, it is essential to take your time and utilize the resources available to you. We are here to ensure you have the support and information necessary to make the best decision for your future.
Retirement for Team USA athletes means they have concluded their participation in events on the pathway to the Olympic or Paralympic Games as determined by their NGB. It involves transitioning from the intense routine of training and competition to exploring new opportunities, interests, and pursuits. During this period, athletes can access various support programs through the USOPC, such as career coaching, financial planning, educational opportunities, and mental health resources, to help them achieve success and stability in their post-athletic careers.
NO! Team USA athletes have access to career, education, financial wellness, and athlete marketing benefits through Agora for 10-years from their last qualifying event. In addition, eligible athletes will have a 1-month transition for health insurance and 2-year transition for psychological services from their last qualifying event. For more detailed information on eligibility, please visit our Team USA Eligibility page.
Team USA athletes can retire by submitting their retirement date or intention to retire through Agora. This process ensures a smooth transition while maintaining privacy, as the retirement information is only shared with the Athlete Services team at the USOPC. By using Agora, athletes can efficiently plan for and communicate their retirement, while accessing the necessary support and resources to assist with this transition. Once athletes are confident and ready to make this announcement, they will need to inform USADA and their respective NGB via email.
You can find and register for programs and resources through Agora, the USOPC’s new digital platform providing centralized access to your athlete benefits and information. Available on both desktop and mobile, Agora is the place to stay up to date on deadlines and programming, update your athlete information, and so much more. Team USA athletes will gain access to Agora on a rolling basis as they become eligible for the platform.
Helpful Resources for You in This Time#
Pivot Program
Register on Agora, opens in a new tabAthletes retiring from sport often feel an acute sense of loss and may have questions about what comes next. It can be a stressful time of navigating your changing identity, community, direction, and purpose. The Pivot Program is a four-day in-person, personal development experience designed to equip you with the skills that you need to navigate this change. At this retreat-style program, you will have the opportunity to connect with other Team USA athletes and spend time in meaningful discussions around transition.
2024 Dates: December 12 - 15, 2024
Registration Deadline: October 11, 2024
Guild Educational Platform
Learn More on Agora, opens in a new tabA new educational resource to provide Team USA athletes with access to tuition-free or reduced cost degree and certification programs through accredited institutions.
1 on 1 Career Coaching
Learn More on Agora, opens in a new tabThree-month, 1-on-1 career coaching program to help athletes identify their strengths and ideal work environments, streamlining their job and career searches.
1 on 1 Financial Coaching
Learn More on Agora, opens in a new tab1:1 financial coaching to help Team USA athletes achieve financial stability and success through personalized budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning guidance.
Tuck Programming
Retired and active Team USA athletes can take advantage of programming through the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. These programs include the Next Step: Transition to Business and Impact Academy, both designed to support you as you transition into your next career.
Seeking Mental Health Support?#
You're never alone. Whether facing the intensity of competition or adjusting to life changes, the USOPC Psychological Services team supports Team USA athletes across the psychological spectrum by providing internal and external resources that range from mental health to mental performance and everything in between.
For any questions:
Email: psychservices@usopc.org
Call: Psychological Services Support Line: +1 (719) 866-CALL (2255)
Emergencies:
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency,
please call: 9-8-8 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Stay involved with Team USA#
Team USA Athletes' Commission
Learn MoreThe Team USA Athletes' Commission (Team USA AC) advocates for and amplifies the voice of Team USA athletes, ensuring their concerns and interests are heard at the highest levels of sport governance. We work to protect athlete rights, improve access to resources, and drive policy changes that enhance athletes’ well-being on and off the field. Team USA AC actively engages with the USOPC and key stakeholders to ensure athletes are represented in decisions directly impacting athletes.
Team USA AC is composed of representatives from each National Governing Body (NGB) participating in the Olympic, Paralympic, Parapan American and Pan American Games, Paralympic sport representatives, and Ex-Officio Members from the IOC Athletes’ Commission and IPC Athletes’ Commission. The group is led by six at-large athletes elected by the AC. Together, we empower athletes and serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
Insights from Retired Athletes now involved in Athlete Representation:
"Being a part of Team USA AC has allowed me to have 'the Games experience' before and after competing. Everyone on the commission comes from another sport. I feel I’m always learning something new while advocating and improving the conditions for athletes just like me."
– Mark Ladwig, Chair Team USA AC
"Being on the Team USA AC has been a fantastic way to stay involved in sport after retiring. Athletes have so much to contribute to sport off the field of play. I’ve always tried to leave places better than when I found them, and the Team USA AC—or an NGB’s AAC—is a great place to do that."
– Greta Neimanas, At-Large Team USA AC Leadership
United States Olympians & Paralympians Association (USOPA)
The U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association (USOPA) is an alumni group within the USOPC consisting of athletes who have represented Team USA in an Olympic or Paralympic Games. USOPA exists to ensure that all U.S. Olympians & Paralympians experience a lifelong connection to the Olympic & Paralympic movements by prioritizing engagement and service to build community and connectivity to Team USA. To learn more about USOPA, click here
USOPA Chapters
USOPA is supported by a network of nationwide chapter presidents who organize local groups of Olympians & Paralympians through meetings, social events, and volunteer opportunities. Olympians & Paralympians can connect with fellow USOPA members living in their region by joining their local USOPA chapter. To find a chapter near you, click here or email usopa.mailbox@usopc.org
Am I Eligible for these Resources?
The USOPC developed the Team USA Athlete Benefits Model, inclusive of defining who is a Team USA athlete, to establish transparent eligibility criteria and a consistent process that outlines which USOPC wellness resources athletes are eligible to receive and when, including through retirement. Athlete performance resources will continue to be allocated through the criteria set forth in the high performance plans in partnership with each NGB.