In this study, Canadian sport actor`s perception of athlete retirement support mechanisms was explored using Design Thinking methodologies to understand athletes` willingness and ability to prepare for retirement. Semi-structured empathy interviews were conducted with 19 sport-system actors, including active and retired Olympians and Paralympians, support personnel, and performance partners. The following themes were generated: (a) limited knowledge and understanding of retirement resources, (b) sport organisations` influence on resource accessibility, and (c) the impact of athletes` utilising proactive retirement. Findings are presented as composite personas highlighting contextual factors shaping retirement preparation.
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