No one wins Olympic medals by chance: Advice for successfully navigating a career in elite sport

Insights from the Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice’s symposium 

At the first-ever Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice’s symposium held at the University of Birmingham on 14th May 2025, a distinguished panel of experts convened to share their wisdom and experiences of thriving in the world of elite sport. The panel featured Dr. Naomi Datson, Tracey Whittaker-Smith MBE, Hope Powell CBE, and Hailu Theodros, each bringing a wealth of experience from various realms of professional and elite sport. Their collective advice echoed a key message: no one achieves a successful career in elite sport by chance. It is the result of a strong personal network, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Image description: Panellists sitting down in front of a table. From left to right: Hailu Theodros, Tracey Whittaker-Smith MBE, Hope Powell CBE, and Dr. Naomi Datson. Professional Knowledge and Psychological Awareness 

The panellists all acknowledged the importance of having the right knowledge and skills in crafting a successful career in elite sport. However, they emphasized an equally critical component: relationship building. This psychologically-informed approach not only ensures a long-lasting career but also fosters a fulfilling and balanced professional journey. 

The All-Consuming Nature of Elite Sport 

Navigating a career in elite sport is a demanding endeavour, whether as a coach, performance director, or sport scientist. The panellists chose this career out of a love for sport and described it as a “job like no other”. But, along with the amazing opportunities that comes along with it, the path is full of challenges that can push you beyond your comfort zones.  

“Living the bubble” of elite sport can make the job all-consuming, requiring immense dedication, time and energy. As just one example, long training camps mean relocating for several weeks at a time often overseas and living and sharing meals with those you work with. It can be intense, leaving little time to recharge and leading to feeling burnout. The panellists shared their insights into managing these demands and avoiding burnout while maintaining personal well-being and professional efficacy. 

Top Tips for Success in Elite Sports 

Here are three key pieces of advice for those aspiring to work in elite sport: 

1. Putting People First 

Building strong interpersonal skills and fostering meaningful relationships are paramount. The ability to navigate work dynamics and embrace constant change hinges on the strength of these connections. The panellists highlighted the importance of being open and honest, even when difficult conversations are necessary. Consistency in messaging and communication is vital to foster a culture of mutual trust and collaboration within teams.  

Learn how to build your own dream team with one of the SPRINT Project’s interactive tools. This exercise can help you to be more strategic in developing the network that will help you achieve your career aspirations in elite sport.

2. Lean into Your Strengths and Values 

Understanding and embracing one's core values is crucial. The panellists encouraged attendees to show up authentically, build their networks, and remain curious by asking questions and continuously learning. Authenticity and self-awareness pave the way for a career that aligns with personal values and goals. They advised on having a clear vision for your career while remaining open to unexpected opportunities and serendipitous moments. 

Become more aware of your strengths with our interactive strengths profile tool. These will be your unique blend of personal skills and qualities – your very own USP. Learning to use these strengths will offset your weaknesses and contribute to having better well-being. While addressing weaknesses are important, research shows that focusing on your strengths will lead to greater overall improvement by being more productive, engaged, and having a greater sense of job satisfaction and fulfilment.  

3. Develop Skills for Resilience and Well-Being 

Resilience and well-being are the cornerstones of a sustainable career in elite sports. The panellists advised using periods of uncertainty and transition as opportunities for growth. Reaching out to one's network, continually developing skills, and engaging in reflection and self-evaluation are essential practices. Sharing experiences with others who understand the unique challenges of elite sports can also provide invaluable support.  

When asked about imposter syndrome, the panellists admitted that they might not always feel like they know what they are doing. But, recognising this as normal and accepting discomfort as well as asking for help from their network were viewed as strengths not weaknesses. Being open to opportunities, reflecting on experiences, and embedding learning also enabled them to keep developing in their career.  

Learn how to develop effective coping strategies for stressful situations with our interactive tools that help you to recognise and expand your coping strategies, so you can match the best one for the situation at hand. You can then learn how to apply evidence-based techniques to better manage stress.

Conclusion 

The insights shared at the symposium underscore the multifaceted nature of success when working in elite sports. As one panellist said, “Olympic medals are not won by chance”, neither is a sport science career built just on technical skills and knowledge. It is a journey marked by deliberate actions, informed decisions, and a holistic approach to personal and professional development.  

Your success will also reflect the strong interpersonal relationships you build and maintain, how you align your career choices with your personal values and effectively coping with the ups and downs. By putting people first, leaning into strengths and values, and developing resilience, individuals can navigate the complexities of elite sports and pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career.  

The advice from Dr. Naomi Datson, Tracey Whittaker-Smith MBE, Hope Powell CBE, and Hailu Theodros serves as a useful guide for aspiring athletes and professionals, showing the way towards working excellence in the demanding world of elite sports.  

To learn more on how to put their advice into practice for yourself, subscribe to The SPRINT Project for more blog posts, interactive tools, and resources. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn and Bluesky.  

---

Written by Prof Jennifer Cumming, Co-Director of The SPRINT Project and Chartered Psychologist.