Dual career experiences of South African Olympic athletes

Abstract

The National Sport and Recreation Plan in South Africa has designated twenty-three universities as hubs for Olympic student-athletes in the advanced stages of long-term athlete development. In the contemporary world of sports, Olympic athletes face stringent requirements, necessitating unwavering dedication to achieve excellence. However, financial rewards for sustaining a livelihood through sports are limited, and the support systems for post-retirement financial and psychological impacts are scarce. This underscores the importance of athletes pursuing dual careers or preparing for post-athletic endeavors while actively engaging in high-level competition. This study seeks to comprehend the experiences of a cohort of South African Olympic athletes in higher education, focusing on the concurrent development of their academic and sporting pursuits. Employing a qualitative interpretive research design, the study involved the purposeful sampling of fifteen South African Olympic athletes from diverse sporting codes, including track and field, swimming, hockey, and rowing. Data were gathered through ten semi-structured interviews. The findings illuminate the multifaceted challenges Olympic athletes face in balancing academic and athletic commitments. Financial constraints pose a significant hurdle to a successful dual career, exacerbated by the demanding travel schedules inherent in elite sports. Effective time management becomes imperative as athletes navigate intense training regimens, frequent travel, and academic responsibilities. The experiences of Olympic higher education student-athletes underscore the importance of extended academic programs, financial support mechanisms, and a robust sport tutorial system. These recommendations are necessary to facilitate the successful pursuit of dual careers, ensuring that student-athletes can navigate the complexities of academic and sporting aspirations.