Abstract
The Olympic Games, held every four years, unite approximately 15,000 elite athletes across 32 sports, reflecting Pierre de Coubertin’s vision of integrating sport with education and moral values. This study explores the historical development of the Modern Olympic Games (MOG) and the journey of South African athletes from their debut in 1904 to their challenges in transitioning to post-sport careers. Inspired by the Ancient Olympic Games (AOG), the MOG was revitalised in 1896 to foster social and educational values through sports. South Africa’s Olympic participation began in 1904 but was disrupted during apartheid. The post-apartheid era marked a shift toward professionalisation, with athletes dedicating themselves exclusively to sports. However, many Olympians face difficulties maintaining economic and social stability after retiring from competition. Despite financial gains during their careers, transitions remain challenging. The World Olympians Association (WOA) supports these transitions through scholarships and job placements. In South Africa, the Sport and Recreation Strategic Plan highlights the role of universities and sports federations in providing holistic support to athletes, integrating athletic, psychological, and academic development. This research examines these systems, mainly the Sport for Life model, to propose enhancements that better prepare Olympians for life beyond sports. Eleven athletes from nine different sporting codes were interviewed using artefacts and photo illustrations to provide insights. The findings emphasise the need for improved support frameworks to ensure sustained success and stability for South African Olympians after their sporting careers.
Presenters
Louis Jacobus van ZylLectuter, Humanities Education, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Olympic Athletes, Education, Sport, Life Histories
