Husain Al Musallam proudly announced this summer, on the sidelines of the World Swimming Championships in Singapore: World Aquatics is launching an athlete career compensation fund, " the first of its kind among international federations ", to support swimmers in their transition to life after sport. Brent Nowicki, Executive Director of World Aquatics, explains the outlines of this initiative for Francs Jeux.
When did you start thinking about this program?
The idea has been in the works for almost a year, but it's actually been on our minds for much longer. Athletes are at the heart of what we do. We usually focus on supporting them during their athletic careers, but we also know how important it is to prepare them for what comes next. About a year ago, we began a specific consultation period with athletes to better understand their needs once they retire from competition. These conversations were invaluable; they helped us better understand the challenges athletes face once their athletic careers are over, and they guided us in developing a plan that would truly benefit them. We took the time to carefully consider the project to ensure it was realistic and sustainable. What we have today is the result of both athlete input and careful planning, and we're excited to see it take shape.
Are there any personal stories that convinced you of the need for such a measure?
Absolutely. Initially, the concept was more akin to a traditional pension plan, where athletes would receive financial assistance five or ten years after retirement. But in our discussions with them, we quickly realized that this didn't reflect their immediate needs. For example, we spoke with Cameron Van der Burgh, who is not only an Olympic champion but also a valued member of our Business and Investment Committee. He pointed out that the first two years after retirement are often the most difficult. When an athlete's career ends, sponsorships and funding can disappear overnight. This led us to rethink the timing of our assistance: rather than deferring payments to the distant future, we decided that the compensation fund should provide assistance at the time of retirement, when it can make the greatest difference. This idea was a turning point in developing this project into what it is today.
What will this fund actually bring to athletes?
We do a lot to support athletes in their development and at the peak of their sporting careers, which we will of course continue to do, but the reality is that the end of a sporting career can be just as defining as the competitive years. We recognize that retirement is a profound change. Through this plan, we want to ease that transition and ensure athletes feel supported, valued, and secure as they move on. The compensation fund will be the first of its kind among international federations, and we are proud to be leading the way. World Aquatics has committed an initial investment of $10 million. The program will also be supported by contributions from commercial partners, investment returns, and the newly formed World Aquatics Foundation.
Each sport will have different qualification criteria, but essentially, once an athlete competes in approximately 75% of the relevant events organized by World Aquatics over a four-year period, they are considered eligible, and World Aquatics will make an initial financial contribution to their account. Then, for each subsequent year, World Aquatics will pay a certain percentage of the prize money won by that athlete into the athlete's account. Once the athlete retires, World Aquatics will make a lump sum payment from this account to help them transition to life after their career.
When will the plan be ready for implementation?
We are delighted that the Fund is now operational. Athletes who competed in World Cup stages this year, as well as those who took part in the recent World Championships in Singapore, are already starting to accumulate points that count towards qualification. Athletes are receiving clear information from us, and through our Athletes' Committee, on how the program works and the benefits they can receive.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that when an athlete leaves aquatic competition, they don't feel like they're stepping into what could be considered "limbo" alone. Athletes are the heartbeat of aquatics, and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do and the values they uphold. World Aquatics recognizes their years of dedication and is ready to support them as they transition to the next stage of their lives.
