Career Choice. Pro Sportsman or Engineer.?

Question

I am 17 and currently in 6th form doing AS-levels they are going ok but not as good as they should be. I always feel like im meant for something else.

I ve been cycling at a high level for 9 years and am looking to join a pro british team.

I am lost as to what I should do. I love my sport and I know I can make it but i also know I need a less risky back up plan. Help

Answer 1

You can always do "work" later, but the amount of time that you have to be an elite athlete is finite. I say go pro.

Answer 2

You only have one chance in life for doing something like pro cycling. Many aspire to it but don't have the talent or hunger for it. I say go for it. You have a rare opportunity.

You can give it a go for 5 years and see where you are at that time. You can always return to school (I didn't graduate until 30) But you can't try jumping into the pro level in 5 years after school with much of a chance to make as you do now.

Answer 3

You could combine your risky career in pro cycling with something that's related, like sports science or sports nutrition.  That way, you'd be able to pursue your dream, but have something to fall back on in case of injury etc.  Also, sports science is not a really academically demanding course, so you don't need to devote your whole life to study, when you could be out training.  And, it might help your cycling times if you understand more about fitness, nutrition and the science behind it all.