Olympic athlete announces her retirement – so what comes next?

Today athlete Samantha Murray, the London 2012 silver medallist, announced her retirement from modern pentathlon, at the age of 29.

Murray told BBC Sport “it’s been really hard and taken me over a year to make my mind up”.

For both professional athletes and dance artists, the transition to a new career is paved with physical, emotional and financial challenges. It is a shared experience almost unique to elite performers.

Throughout her training and early career, Murray was encouraged to pursue a degree, studying French and politics whilst also working as a waitress.

We actively encourage performers to broaden their horizons during their career. To be curious and explore their other passions, beyond dance.

This is why DCD are excited to be launching ‘Beyond Dance’ a new scheme of world-class mentoring opportunities for dancers, connecting the world of dance and business. The first of its kind in our sector, this scheme is delivered in partnership with Moving Ahead, experts in mentoring for elite athletes.

We’re also proud to support the LEAP initiative (Leading Edge After Performance) – an innovative and collaborative partnership exploring career and life transition issues amongst dancers and athletes.

Murray told BBC Sport that it will “take some time” to find her “next passion” after retirement.

Dancers don’t need to wait until that final performance to begin exploring what could come next. Start now and know that DCD are here to help you evolve into a career beyond performing, whenever the time comes.

See the story on BBC.