For many athletes, the peak of their career is defined by their achievements on the field, track, or pitch. However, this isn’t always the case – many athletes who have experienced success in athletics, but who are unable to compete for whatever reason, find new success in other arenas. After all, the grit, determination and dedication required to excel in athletics and sports can often be transferred to other areas of life.
Stuart Ripley: From Premier League to the Courtroom
Stuart Ripley was a key player in Blackburn Rovers’ historic 1994/95 Premier League-winning squad. Yet, when his playing days ended, he took an unusual career step – studying law at the University of Central Lancashire. Initially uncertain about his post-football career, he discovered a passion for legal practice and became a solicitor.
Ripley’s expertise led him to take on a role in the Football Association’s judicial panel, where he has taken part in disciplinary proceedings, including high-profile cases. His journey shows how professional athletes can successfully transfer their skills – such as analytical thinking and decision-making – into completely different professions off the field.
Dame Katherine Grainger: From Rowing to Academia and Leadership
Dame Katherine Grainger is Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, with five rowing medals across five consecutive Games. Even as she made her name at the Olympics, Grainger was working towards – and eventually earning – her PhD in criminology.
After retiring from competitive rowing, Grainger continued to make her voice heard in the sporting world as Chair of UK Sport. Her ability to combine elite sporting competitions with academic pursuits highlights the importance of long-term career planning and education for athletes looking to make an impact beyond their sport.
Chris Hoy: Engineering Success on Two Wheels and Beyond
Sir Chris Hoy has six gold medals in track cycling to his name – and his post-retirement career has been equally impressive. Combining his passion for engineering with his sporting expertise, Hoy transitioned into motorsport, competing in endurance racing events such as Le Mans.
Hoy has also become a successful author and businessman, launching a range of children’s books and contributing to the design of high-performance bicycles. His diverse career proves that any skill developed through elite sport – such as precision, focus, and problem-solving – can be transferred to many different industries.
Alvina Chen: Sprinting Towards Technological Innovation
Alvina Chen’s athletic journey took her across the UK, USA, and Hong Kong, with a promising career in track and field. However, her path changed dramatically in 2020 when she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disease that forced her early retirement. Chen turned her experience into an opportunity for innovation – and the chance to improve the experience of athletes everywhere.
Chen founded Feldspar, a company dedicated to revolutionising the sport with the world’s first sensor-enabled, integrated performance running track. Her transition from elite athlete to tech entrepreneur shows how adversity can spark groundbreaking achievements.
Rebecca Adlington: Diving into Business and Advocacy
Rebecca Adlington became a national treasure after her double gold-medal triumph in swimming at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When she eventually retired from swimming, she channelled her success into business, launching the Rebecca Adlington SwimStars programme, which aims to teach children the essential life skill of swimming.
Adlington has also become a notable media figure, regularly appearing as a pundit and advocate for women in sport. Her journey demonstrates how athletes can use their platform to inspire the next generation while building sustainable business ventures.
Gary Neville: From Football Pitch to Boardroom and Broadcasting
Gary Neville is a clear example of an athlete who has seamlessly transitioned from sport to business. Following his football career with Manchester United and England, Neville moved into media, becoming one of Sky Sports’ most respected pundits.
His ambitions didn’t stop there – he also co-founded Hotel Football and University Academy 92, demonstrating his entrepreneurial mindset. His ability to blend business, education and media shows that meticulous planning and strong leadership can be invaluable for success after athletics.