What happens with ski racers after they retire?

These days, most racers who make it to a national team end up staying in their position for a decade or more, depending on how well they perform, heal from injuries and can stand the constant regimen of extensive traveling, training and racing. One of the questions many ask, is what can they do after they hang up their skis and decide to lead a “normal life?” Very, very few of them who are good looking, charismatic, and able to interact well with others can get those “dream” jobs. TV commentator might be one of them. The pay isn't at the pinnacle of earnings, but it can be a good entry for branching into other areas of sports journalism.

Others can endorse products, create their own line of clothing, accessories or even equipment, but this has become increasingly harder in times of shrinking markets and economic recession. Then what's left? Becoming a coach, working as a federation official, director of skiing at a resort, setting up a training camp or school, or perhaps just instructing? There are also those who reconvert into new forms of the sport, like ski-cross, take over the family business or just join the ranks of people looking for any job. Sure some athletes may have amassed significant earnings through contact retainers, endorsements and race prizes, but only a handful generally do; out of of 100, perhaps 80 to 85 will have to work as if nothing had ever happened to them.

The experience garnered while racing can represent the equivalent of a college education or even that of graduate work if the racer is both smart and a good study, but the end result will hinge upon the amount of networking the athlete has been able to weave in over an entire career. Having the support and protection of a team, coaches and technicians also might insulate the skier too much from real life and often make the individual more vulnerable and somewhat unprepared to deal with the rough and tumble aspects of self-promotion and career development. As always, there is never a perfect predictor of what a ski racer can and should do upon retiring; his family, friends and team should make sure the top performer understands that long before retirement looms. Soon, we'll explore practical examples of ex-skier reconversion...