Showjumping, Olympic Games, London 2012 (Photo credit: batigolix)

At this moment most countries have made their collection of gold, silver and bronze medals during the Olympic Games in London, athletes can look forward to celebrations in their countries and home towns. It’s a fame! What will happen next? What is the career perspective of athletes?

A couple of athletes get into the new training discipline for the next national, continental or world championships and leagues. Others are facing the next Summer Olympics, in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. What will happen for them looking at their incomes? The IOC gives information on the importance of making an after-sport career plan.

They may be getting a grant from their national government, sports organisation that facilitates their training for the next challenge. They may have sponsors or a (part time) job. Medal winners may be lucky and enter the speakers circuit, sharing their experiences  to business people, managers to advance their businesses. They may be coaching young ahtletes. In fact, they can have very interesting, even bizarre jobs that go beyond advertising photography.

Will these incomes last for them, even when they are finishing their sporting career? Would it make sense for them instead of working in some-one elses system to starting their own business, that is aiming to create freedom in time (for training and competition as this is possible without the traditional investments or overhead costs and worries), and money (by generating an income that will be independent of their personal time investment), making use of the momentum that is there. Here and now. Have you thought about it? Leave your opinion below!