The transition from elite sport to professional life is one of the biggest challenges an athlete will ever face - and no one understands it better than those who have lived it. That's why the programme pairs athletes with a mentor who has made the same journey: a former elite athlete ready to share the support, perspective and connections that helped them build a successful second career.

Whether you're just starting to imagine life beyond the water or actively preparing for your next move, this is a chance to explore opportunities for what comes next.

Mentoring built around you

At the heart of the programme is a 1-on-1 mentoring relationship. As the mentee, you schedule the meetings and set the agenda, whether that's exploring career options, building a CV, preparing for interviews, or simply thinking through what comes next. Sessions take place once a month, with a minimum of six across the programme, giving you time between meetings to reflect, take action, and return with new questions as your thinking evolves.

All sessions happen online, so you can connect with your mentor no matter where you train or compete.

A curriculum designed for the transition

Alongside your mentoring sessions, you'll join four structured group workshops facilitated by external experts, covering a four-pillar curriculum delivered over nine months:

  • Identity, strengths and career directions - understand who you are beyond your sporting identity and translate your athletic experience into professional language
  • Confidence, change and life after elite sport - managing the emotional and practical challenges of the transition, and knowing when to seek support
  • Professional tools, AI and career readiness - practical skills from CV writing and interview preparation to using AI tools for applications and career research
  • Career strategy, networking and transition plan - setting goals, mapping opportunities, and building a clear plan for what comes next

What you'll walk away with

By the end of the programme, you'll have a clearer sense of who you are beyond sport, a tailored CV and LinkedIn profile, sharper interview technique, and a career transition plan built around your own strengths and timeline. You'll also earn a World Aquatics Certificate and a personal recommendation letter - credible proof of your commitment to professional development that you can use in job applications and interviews.

All participants also gain ongoing access to a private World Aquatics alumni network, a lasting support system of fellow mentees, mentors, and industry contacts as your career develops.

Who can apply

Up to 30 athletes will be selected, with balanced gender representation and aquatic sports representation. To be eligible, you must be 18 or older, currently competing at an elite level, and have competed at the Olympic Games, World Aquatics Championships, World Aquatics Championships (25m), or World Aquatics World Cups. Applicants need a good working knowledge of English and must not be serving any sanctions under the World Anti-Doping Code or World Aquatics rules.

Don't miss out

Applications close on 7 September 2026 - apply now at: https://forms.office.com/e/r9SRtPZD7T

Questions? Contact athletes.committee@worldaquatics.com