Athletic Career Transition Models in China

Taking elite retired Chinese athletes as the research objects, this study was designed to explore the process of sport career transition in China, and was based on the theoretical background of sport career transition models. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Manifold reasons for sport career termination and various planning strategies to retire from sport activities were identified. Several factors contributing to the positive adaptation to athletic retirement as well as factors constraining the transition process are described. Significant others and coping strategies played important roles during the transition process. After tetivement, Athletes experienced significant changes in their lives in social, psychosocial, health and economic spheres.