Education and career transition of athletes: A comparative analysis of former and current athletes in Slovakia

The article deals with the issue of athlete’s career paths and the challenges associated with their transition to civilian professional life after the end of their sporting career. This is a period that is often accompanied by a loss of identity, a change in social status and the need to redefine both professional and personal goals. The aim of the research is to analyse this process, focusing on the importance of education, the development of digital skills and the use of modern technologies. The research is based on a combination of literature analysis and qualitative interviews with current and former athletes. The findings suggest that education is a key factor in a smooth adaptation to the labour market and at the same time boosts athletes' self-confidence in shaping their future career paths. Digitalisation and information and communication technologies are playing a significant role in modernising and personalising the education process, with online courses, flexible curricula and the use of artificial intelligence becoming an integral part of preparing for career transition. The analysis also confirmed the value of transferable skills such as discipline, perseverance, teamwork and stress resilience, which are universally applicable outside of sport. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that links sport, education and career planning using innovative digital tools. The results not only have academic merit, but also provide practical recommendations for sport organisations, educational institutions and policy makers in building effective dual career support systems for athletes.