Preparing for Life After Sport While You’re Still Playing or Competing
Being a mum since 18 alongside being a professional fighter has meant I have had to be a black belt in multi-tasking since day one.
As we all know, sport is unpredictable. Injuries, including the five surgeries I have had, setbacks and unexpected changes can add to the already intense pressure that comes with performing at a high level. The best time to prepare for life after sport is before you need to. Networking in the off-season or at events, exploring interests and building skills while still competing is key. This does not mean losing focus on your sport, it simply means reducing future pressure and giving yourself options.
I have always had interests outside of fighting and found that small, consistent steps make a big difference over time. Consider learning or studying alongside training. This could include online courses, shadowing someone in a role you are curious about, or developing a personal brand that reflects more than just your stats or results. I completed a business course at Harvard University alongside 50 top athletes from across the world. The opportunity to attend Harvard Business School and learn from renowned Professor Anita Elberse was truly unique and opened my eyes to what was possible beyond competition.
Building relationships outside of sport can also lead to exciting opportunities down the line. I have been fortunate to work in broadcasting across numerous shows, stepping straight into live on-air commentary and presenter analyst roles. I had no previous experience, but I backed myself, took the opportunities and learned on the job.
Always allow yourself to envision what is possible beyond the game. Having struggled with skin problems throughout my life, I have been working on and will soon be launching my own skincare range, @izzyroseskin. Pursuing something outside of sport has given me energy and perspective, rather than taking anything away from my performance.
Preparation turns uncertainty into opportunity. Think about community work or charities you are passionate about. These organisations are always grateful for support and for people who can help raise awareness of their cause, while also giving you purpose beyond results and selection.
One of the biggest challenges for athletes is identity. For so long, you are known by your sport, your weight class, your position or your ranking. When competition ends, that identity can feel lost if nothing else has been built alongside it. Exploring other interests while you are still competing allows you to understand who you are beyond performance alone.
It is also important to recognise that the skills developed through sport are highly transferable. Discipline, resilience, communication, time management and the ability to perform under pressure are valuable in any industry. Learning how to articulate these skills outside sport is an essential part of preparing for the future.
Your playing or competition career has an expiration date. Your impact does not. Preparing early allows you to step into what comes next with confidence, clarity and purpose.