The two days were designed to help athletes navigate the transition from the intense focus of Olympic and Paralympic preparation and followed the successful introduction of a transition event after Rio 2016.
Insightful keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and a career expo were all highlights of the event.
Head of Performance Life Coaching and Olympian #400, Chris Arthur, says there were four consistent messages which ran across all aspects of the event and resonated strongly with athletes.
“The first message was the importance of knowing yourself and understanding your purpose and values really well,” says Chris.
“The necessity of deliberate action to achieve desired outcomes was a second message and was well articulated by one of our keynote speakers, Hamish Barton, who shared a powerful piece of advice: don’t worry about making the right decision, make the decision right.
“Thirdly, there was a strong message that sport is a team game even if you are in an individual sport. The importance of building and maintaining a strong support network was emphasised, along with the need for athletes to take charge of their own campaigns.
“Finally, athletes were reminded that life is a journey filled with ups and downs. Speakers encouraged athletes to embrace the journey because the destination is not always guaranteed.”
There was a wide range of workshops throughout the two days with communications a common theme, encouraging athletes to have courageous conversations and recognise the power of storytelling.
“Effective communication is crucial in sport and in life,” says Chris. “It allows us to connect deeply, share our experiences and support each other through transitions.”
Feedback from athletes highlighted how much athletes appreciated the workshops, most of which provided practical advice along with the opportunity to connect with peers who understood their unique challenges.
Athletes were able to explore potential career paths and network with industry professionals through the career expo. “This aspect of the workshop was particularly valuable as it provided tangible steps for athletes to prepare for life after sport.”
A Radio New Zealand story focused on the way in which an event like Crossroads helps athletes address the ‘post-Olympic blues’ and lay the groundwork for their eventual transition to life after sport.
