2x Olympic Champion Ashton Eaton Opens Up On How He Navigated The Workforce Market After Retiring At 28 Years Old + Advice For Other Athletes

“Personally, I never identified as just an athlete. I did sport my whole life. It was the only thing I knew but I’ve always been the kind of person that’s not necessarily that thing that I’m doing. I’ve always had other interests. For me, I was just ready and it was OK to say, ‘I did the things I tried to do as best as I could do them. Maybe there was more there and more left but that’s for somebody else now.’”

In Jan. 2017, Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen-Eaton announced their retirement at the prime of their respective careers at 28 years old. Ashton was coming off defending his Olympic gold medal at the Summer Games in Rio. Brianne earned a bronze medal in the heptathlon in Brazil as well. They started a family and Ashton went back to school to pursue a degree in engineering. How did the former world's greatest athlete navigate the job market and what were some of the challenges along the way? 

Ashton sits down with Kyle Merber to open up about his own personal experience. They're also joined by Chris O'Donnell, the co-founder of The Bell Lap, which is a program focused on helping professional Track & Field athletes’ transition into the business community. For more information visit TheBelLap.com | They are now taking applications for the Class of 2022. 

WATCH THIS EPISODE/CONVERSATION HERE: https://youtu.be/8fyLuGf394g?t=4490

SUPPORT THE SPONSORS

GARMIN: Music. Training. Data. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is my favorite running partner. You do the running. This GPS running smartwatch does the thinking. It even gets to know you and your body better, mile after mile and song after song. Get one for yourself here >> https://bit.ly/3Pcu0qo

Article One Eyewear: Article One is an independent eyewear company based in Flint, Mich. with designers with deep roots in running. All their frames are handcrafted in a small village in Northern Italy. Designed with your entire day in mind, Article One takes you from a long run in the morning to drinks on the patio to wind down. Their timeless silhouettes, paired with technical components — like adjustable silicone nose pads, polarized lenses, and spring hinges — create running sunglasses that are standalone. CITIUS MAG listeners get 20% off using CITIUS at checkout at https://articleoneeyewear.com/

HYDROW: Hydrow is a state-of-the-art rowing experience. Hydrow works 86% of major muscle groups, compared with only 44% from cycling. That’s twice the benefit in half the time! It’s a perfect low-impact workout to add to your training cycle for both endurance and resistance training. Use code CITIUS100 for $100 off of the rower (stackable with any current offerings) >> https://hydrow.com/

@HaywardMagic is the Instagram home for the true track & field diehards, dreamers and fans. They are sharing the magic of the sport and elevating the athletes that push it forward. Follow them on Instagram @HaywardMagic.