I think all mature athletes acknowledge that participation in sport at the highest level is not forever, no matter how much we’d like to think so. One day our bodies will slow down, our capacity to win more medals and score more goals will decrease, and we might even find ourselves drawn to passions elsewhere or take on new responsibilities such as raising a family. Personally, my study helps me nurture this perspective and appreciate the joys of athletics, while also providing me a sense of long-term security.