The journey of an elite athlete is filled with exhilarating highs, but what happens when the final whistle blows? Transitioning out of elite sport can be as challenging as competition itself.
Clare Griffiths, a retired international wheelchair basketball athlete, five-time Paralympian, and BEAA Board member, recently shared her experience, the mindset needed for a fulfilling retirement, and her advice for navigating life after sport.
After a long and successful wheelchair basketball career, Clare’s transition into sports commentary was unplanned but natural. Her entry into broadcasting began unexpectedly when her brother, a well-established commentator, suggested they propose a brother-sister act to Channel 4. The idea was well-received, and Clare found herself behind the microphone, bringing her deep knowledge of wheelchair basketball to a new audience.
Despite her experience as an athlete, Clare grappled with “imposter syndrome” in her new role. The shift from athlete to commentator brought new challenges, from mastering technical aspects of broadcasting to finding her voice in a different arena.
“I am a Paralympian, what am I doing here?” she recalled thinking. Yet she quickly realised that her years on the court gave her a unique perspective. “I can go to that performance side if I need to. And that is my backup,” she said, highlighting the value of her lived experience in her new career.
Clare noted that the transition out of sport is not just about finding a new career but also rediscovering a sense of community and purpose. “What was missing for me was belonging, belonging to something, and that kind of achievement.”
Clare found a new community through unexpected avenues, joining a badminton club, which provided her with a physical outlet and social connection. “I now play every Monday night in a social setting, and I laugh for an hour and a half. I do sport with a smile on my face.”
For athletes, finding belonging after retirement can be a daunting task, but Clare emphasised the importance of being proactive. "It's crucial to start thinking about life after sport while you're still competing," she said. “Having those additional strings to your bow can help with that transition.”
She encouraged athletes to explore interests outside of their sport, whether it's through hobbies, education, or building professional skills. Clare stressed the value of having a plan in place before the final whistle blows. By gradually building new connections and passions, athletes can ease into their next chapter with a stronger sense of purpose and belonging.
But Clare emphasised the importance of patience during this transition too. “It’s okay to take the time,” she advised. “It is okay to work out what you want to do. It is okay to not have it on the door. You land from Paris and tomorrow you don't have to have your job, your hobby, your place to be and your new goals. We have to give ourselves time to grieve."
Clare’s experiences highlight the importance of having a support network not only during competitive careers but also during the transition into life beyond sport. For the British Elite Athletes Association, this means providing meaningful advice on career development, and spaces for former athletes to share their stories. As Clare put it, embracing this process allows athletes to find new opportunities to gain experience, contribute, and continue to thrive, long after the final whistle has blown.
Want to watch more from Clare and access a community exclusively for former elite athletes? Register to join our alumni platform here!
