A comparative study of support models for champions and veteran athletes: A case study of five selected countries and Iran

Retirement marks a critical transition in the lives of professional and elite athletes, often involving complex challenges and adjustments. This study investigates and compares the support mechanisms available to champions and veteran athletes in six countries—the United States, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Iran—in order to identify both similarities and divergences. A comparative qualitative approach was employed, drawing on official policies, guidelines, scholarly articles, research projects, and digital sources. Data were analyzed using George Brady’s four-stage comparative model—description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison—across three domains of support: enabling, nurturing, and valuing. Findings demonstrate that in the enabling domain, essential elements include comprehensive education, empowerment programs, preparation for post-career transitions, and access to medical, therapeutic, and financial services. The nurturing domain emphasizes social networks, community participation, association membership, and family education, while the valuing domain focuses on honoring retired athletes, utilizing their expertise, and assigning organizational or leadership roles. The results suggest that Iran shows relative strength in the valuing domain but faces considerable deficiencies in enabling and nurturing supports, where systematic, long-term strategies are lacking. To bridge these gaps, the study recommends developing an integrated information system, promoting social engagement, establishing specialized academies and athlete associations, and designing sustainable financial frameworks. Such initiatives could substantially improve post-career support for athletes in Iran.