AIS Retired Athlete Peer Support Network
A welcoming community where former athletes from across different sports can connect, share experiences, and explore life beyond competition. This is an AIS funded program.
Life after High Performance sport is a significant change.
While every athlete's journey is unique, many value opportunities to connect with others who understand the sporting experience and the transition to life beyond competition.
Whether you want to connect to the athlete community, reflect on your sporting journey, hear about others’ sporting and retirement experiences the network offers a space to do so.
There are two ways to join the network:
Online Peer Groups Participate in a facilitated seven-week online program where small groups of retired athletes come together to discuss experiences of their athlete journey and life beyond sport.
Social Events and Gatherings Throughout the year, connect with other retired athletes through a range of in-person and online social events and networking opportunities.
Whether you retired recently or many years ago, we encourage you to join the growing RAPS network.
This program is aligned with the Australian sport sector’s pledge to ‘Win Well’, which includes supporting athletes in all aspects and stages of their life.
Network online dates
Social Events
- Melbourne Thursday 22nd October
Register your interest to attend a social event, opens in a new tab
Olympic Rower Cam Girdlestone shares how valuable he found the AIS Retired Athlete Peer Support Network
Benefits
- Offers a sense of community and belonging
- Provides a safe, supportive space to share experiences
- Helps you reconnect with sport in a positive way
- Offers a networking opportunity
Eligibility
- You are a retired athlete who was categorised and/or represented Australia in a senior team at a World Championship, Paralympic, Olympic or Commonwealth Games for a high performance funded sport.
- You are a retired Para athlete competition partner (e.g. sighted pilot, boccia director, alpine ski/running guide).
- You can be located anywhere in the world!
Contact
For more information please email: kerina.alter@ausport.gov.au
Testimonies
27 former athletes undertook the pilot program with several claiming the experience was ‘transformational.’ Here’s what they had to say:
“I am now a completely different person. I’m at peace with everything and now thanks to some great advice from the group I am taking steps towards my career path.”
“Being part of this network has helped me feel less alone in my transition out of elite sport. Being able to share my experience with others who understand this journey has helped me process all the difficult emotions that arise from such a big change.”
“It’s not an easy path once you leave sport but when you feel the support around you it makes it that much easier.”
“This network has provided valuable support and inspiration for life after sport.”
“It felt good to know there are people involved in sport in Australia who are paying attention to athletes wellbeing, we’re not just machines that are replaceable.”