The New Zealand Olympic Committee has developed a range of initiatives that help athletes continue contributing long after competition ends. Alongside transition and wellbeing support, athletes can engage in leadership programmes such as the Wāhine Toa Women in Sport Leadership Programme, mentoring opportunities, education ambassador roles and the Athlete Collective, which connects athletes with paid speaking engagements, commercial opportunities and professional networks.

By creating pathways into leadership, governance and advocacy, this shows how athlete transition can be viewed not only as a process of moving on from competition, but also as an opportunity to retain athlete experience, strengthen the sporting system and create lasting impact beyond the field of play.