Athletes Alumni Launched for Athletics Olympians and Paralympians

11 May 2022

Athletes Alumni Launched for Athletics Olympians and Paralympians

UK Athletics, the Home Country Athletics Federations and the UKA Athletes Commission have collaborated to launch the Athletes’ Alumni.

The Athletes’ Alumni is a framework to provide Olympians and Paralympians from 2008 to date with the chance to enrol and have access to career opportunities and guidance during and after their athletics careers.

This unique opportunity will enable athletes to network with past and present sportspeople in athletics and build a safe and supportive space to consider the next steps toward life post athletics.

The co-founders of the Athletes’ Alumni are Olympians Abdul Buhari and Lawrence Clarke. The seed of their idea was planted after the London Olympic Games in 2012 when Buhari, a discus thrower, had retired from athletics after the London Olympics and moved into a successful career in finance. Clarke connected with Buhari after he ended his career in Rio, and he also now works in the city, to bring their idea for the alumni to fruition.

On the launch of the Alumni, Buhari said: “The Athletes Alumni is ‘by the athletes, for the athletes.’ We want to ensure that those who have reached the pinnacle in sport have the opportunity to transfer their talent and skills into their post-athletics lives.”

Clarke added, “We also hope athletes who have already transitioned into the working world will share their wide-ranging experiences and knowledge, to guide the next generation. We look forward to building something special.”

To join the network, please email athletescommission@britishathletics.org.uk.

If you are an ex-athlete who works for an organisation or have your own business and would be willing to help grow the Athletes’ Alumni, please get in touch by emailing athletescommission@britishathletics.org.uk.