Elite athletes will be confronted during as well as after their athletic career with transitional challenges that will impact the course and progress of their athletic development. This article provides in first instance a description of a lifespan model exemplifying a "whole career/whole person" conceptualization of career transitions in the elite athletic career. Second, four specific career transitions in the development of talented and elite athletes are detailed with special attention for high-intensity sports (HIS). Finally, perspectives are formulated on future lifespan research and the provision of career support services in HIS.
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.