Leadership and Life Balance
Careers and Life After Sport · Dual career
How Do I Build an Identity Beyond My Sport?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Sport is a big part of you, not all of you. Build other parts now, while you still compete. Add one small thing outside sport each week and protect it like training. Keep school in the same system. Ask people ahead of you for support. Be kind to yourself.
The answer
- Write down who you are besides your sport. Student, friend, reader, cook, writer, team-mate. Be specific.
- Choose one thing outside sport you enjoy. Schedule it each week and treat it like training.
- Keep school in the same system as sport, not as a leftover. Every student-athlete was created for more.
- Name the habits sport gave you that you will keep: routine, discipline, teamwork, resets.
- Talk to someone a few steps ahead of you about what they did next. Asking for help is not weakness.
- If sport changes sooner than you planned, expect a stretch of not knowing. Give it time before making a big decision.
- Be kind to yourself while you work it out.
If you feel low most days, talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, a guardian or a coach. You can also seek help from a qualified professional.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 14 October 2026.