😲 “100% sport was never for me” [Risto Mätas, 🇬🇧 London & 🇧🇷 Rio Olympian]
In a way, this statement touches on the paradox of being an elite athlete explored in season 1 of The Sporting Transition Podcast.
As an unfunded double Olympian, work has always been a necessary part of his identity. So in many ways, Risto Mätas didn’t have a particularly difficult transition – he was eagerly awaiting his chance to commit fully to his career.
But when asked:
🗣 “could you have performed better at the Olympics had you been full time?” the answer was unequivocally “yes” – but there were no regrets on the balance he had to strike between work & athletics. Crucially, he wouldn’t change anything.
And Risto Mätas is a class act, I was luckily enough to spend time with him whilst recruiting internationally. His commitment to work alongside his sport really stood out in the process & something I personally admired, even if it meant he didn’t fulfil all of his sporting ambitions. Ultimately, he did what was right for him, and 10 years on – there is clearly no regret, even if his medal cabinet is not quite as shiny as funded athletes 🏆 .
Former Ospreys lock Lloyd Ashley shares how early setbacks shaped his mindset around life after rugby, and how curiosity, education and vulnerability helped him build a purposeful career supporting player wellbeing.
Jackson Wray shares how he planned his transition years in advance, building education, networks and practical experience alongside 300 plus Saracens appearances to create a new career with clarity and purpose.
Former Saracens prop Ralph Adams Hale reflects on his first year in the Lloyd’s market, sharing how education, networking and mindset shifts helped him transition from elite sport to underwriting at Apollo.