Brianna Throssell, a decorated swimmer and three-time Olympian, faced unexpected challenges upon retiring from competitive swimming at the age of 29. Known for her remarkable achievements, including two gold medals and 39 international accolades, Throssell had also pursued a business degree at Swinburne University alongside her training, reflecting her commitment to preparing for life beyond sport.
However, upon stepping away from the pool after competing in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, transitioning to the workforce proved daunting. Throssell struggled to secure employment despite reaching out to industry contacts and submitting over 40 job applications, with only a couple resulting in interviews. Lacking internship experience, she found that potential employers were reluctant to consider her for roles.
Throssell described this phase as disheartening, voicing concerns about the lack of support for athletes making the transition out of competitive sports. She noted that while athletes are often touted as highly employable due to their discipline and skills, the reality is starkly different. Many athletes, like Throssell, find themselves ill-prepared for the job market, partly because they have concentrated solely on sport without gaining practical work experience.
Statistics reveal that only about 30% of retired athletes find employment immediately, while many struggle for over a year to secure satisfying roles. Throssell’s perspective underscores a pressing issue in athlete transition programs, with inadequate support frequently noted during and after an athlete’s competitive career.
Fortunately, Throssell’s fortunes changed when she connected with Swimming Australia’s athlete wellbeing coordinator, who introduced her to Deloitte’s Ignite Athlete Employment Program. This initiative offers athletes flexible, permanent roles aimed at developing crucial skills for their post-sport careers. Throssell applied and soon secured a position in Deloitte’s Mergers and Acquisitions team in Melbourne.
She advocates that partnerships between sports organisations and businesses should focus on providing experiential opportunities rather than merely financial support post-retirement. Throssell believes such initiatives can bridge the gap for athletes, allowing them to gain the necessary experience that employers seek.
Through her journey, Throssell not only highlights the struggles many athletes face when transitioning to life after sport but also points towards potential solutions that can help ease this challenging shift for future generations of athletes.