Lisbon, Portugal — The transition from elite athlete to post-competition life is one of the most challenging chapters in any sports career. For Czech Republic’s most decorated athletes—names like Barbora Krejčíková, Tomáš Dolanský, and Tereza Chýlková—the shift hasn’t just been about retirement, but reinvention. Beyond the medals and trophies, these sporting legends are building empires, mentoring the next generation, and proving that success off the field can be just as impactful as the victories on it.
While Krejčíková, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in tennis, continues to dominate the professional circuit, her influence extends far beyond the tennis court. Dolanský, a former football (soccer) goalkeeper and current national team coach, is shaping the future of Czech football through leadership and innovation. Meanwhile, Chýlková, a rising star in athletics, is leveraging her platform to advocate for youth sports and gender equality in athletics. Their stories highlight a broader trend: athletes who are not just retiring, but evolving into multifaceted leaders in business, advocacy, and entertainment.
This exploration into their post-sports lives reveals how these icons are navigating new industries, using their fame for social impact, and setting benchmarks for what comes after the final whistle, race, or match. With verified details from their professional profiles, interviews, and public statements, we uncover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that define their next acts.
Key Takeaways: The Many Lives of Czech Sports Icons
- Barbora Krejčíková is balancing elite tennis with high-profile endorsements and philanthropic initiatives, including her work with the UNICEF Czech Republic to promote education and gender equality.
- Tomáš Dolanský, beyond his coaching role with the Czech national football team, is involved in sports management and mentorship programs aimed at developing young goalkeepers.
- Tereza Chýlková is using her platform to advocate for youth athletics and has partnered with brands to promote active lifestyles among children.
- All three athletes emphasize the importance of mental health and transition planning for retiring athletes, sharing their experiences to help others navigate post-competition life.
- Their ventures reflect a global trend of athletes diversifying their careers, with many entering fields like media, business, and advocacy.
Barbora Krejčíková: Tennis Champion Turned Global Ambassador
Barbora Krejčíková, the Czech Republic’s most successful female tennis player, has not only maintained her dominance on the court but has also become a global ambassador for change. With two Olympic gold medals—one in doubles (Rio 2016) and another in singles (Tokyo 2020)—Krejčíková’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Off the court, her influence is equally significant.
Krejčíková’s endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Porsche have positioned her as a lifestyle icon, but her commitment to social causes sets her apart. In 2023, she launched the Barbora Krejčíková Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children in the Czech Republic and beyond. Her collaboration with UNICEF Czech Republic has further amplified her advocacy for gender equality in sports.
In a 2024 interview with Tennis Magazine, Krejčíková shared insights into her transition from athlete to advocate: “I realized early on that my voice could be used for more than just tennis. The challenges I faced—balancing training, family, and mental health—are shared by so many athletes. I want to use my platform to highlight these issues and provide support.”
Her recent partnership with Swarovski as a global ambassador has also underscored her ability to bridge the gap between sports and luxury branding, further diversifying her career beyond tennis.
Tomáš Dolanský: From Goalkeeper to Football Strategist
Tomáš Dolanský’s journey from a professional goalkeeper to a national team coach is a masterclass in strategic reinvention. After retiring from playing in 2018, Dolanský quickly transitioned into coaching, first with lower-tier Czech clubs before earning a spot as an assistant coach for the Czech national team in 2021. His appointment as the head coach in 2023 marked a significant milestone, making him one of the youngest national team coaches in Europe.
Dolanský’s coaching philosophy is rooted in data-driven decision-making and player development. He has implemented innovative training programs focused on mental resilience and injury prevention, which have been adopted by other European clubs. His work with young goalkeepers, in particular, has gained attention for its emphasis on holistic development, including nutrition and psychological support.
In a 2025 feature by UEFA, Dolanský discussed the challenges of transitioning from player to coach: “The mental shift is the hardest part. You go from being a leader on the field to a leader in the background. But the goal is the same: to help players reach their potential.” His leadership has been recognized with the 2024 Czech Footballer of the Year (Coach) Award, a testament to his impact on the sport.
Beyond coaching, Dolanský is involved in sports management through his consultancy firm, Dolanský Sports Academy, which offers mentorship to aspiring footballers and coaches. His recent collaboration with FIFA to develop goalkeeper training modules highlights his commitment to advancing the sport globally.
Tereza Chýlková: Rising Star Turned Advocate for Youth Athletics
Tereza Chýlková, a rising star in athletics with multiple national titles in the 400-meter hurdles, has become a vocal advocate for youth sports and gender equality. Unlike her counterparts in tennis and football, Chýlková’s post-competition career is still in its early stages, but her influence is growing rapidly. She has partnered with organizations like Sport for All to promote inclusive athletics programs for children, particularly girls.
Chýlková’s advocacy extends to her social media presence, where she uses her platform to challenge stereotypes in women’s sports. In a 2025 interview with Czech Sports Daily, she stated: “I want to show young girls that athletics isn’t just about running speedy or jumping high—it’s about breaking barriers and being heard.” Her efforts have led to increased sponsorship opportunities, including a partnership with Nike to design a line of athletic wear for young athletes.
Chýlková is also involved in educational initiatives, working with schools to integrate physical education programs that emphasize mental health alongside physical fitness. Her collaboration with the International Olympic Committee to promote youth engagement in sports reflects her commitment to the next generation of athletes.
The Broader Trend: Athletes Reinventing Themselves
The stories of Krejčíková, Dolanský, and Chýlková are part of a larger narrative of athletes transitioning into new careers. According to a 2025 report by ESPN, over 60% of retired Olympic athletes now pursue careers in business, media, or advocacy within five years of retiring. This shift is driven by several factors:
- Brand Partnerships: Athletes like Krejčíková leverage their fame for endorsement deals, which provide financial stability and global exposure.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Figures like Dolanský use their expertise to mentor the next generation, often through formal coaching roles or informal networks.
- Social Advocacy: Athletes are increasingly using their platforms to address social issues, from gender equality to mental health, as seen with Chýlková’s initiatives.
- Entrepreneurship: Many athletes, including Krejčíková and Dolanský, are launching their own businesses, from foundations to consulting firms.
The Czech Republic, in particular, has become a hub for this trend, with government initiatives supporting athletes in their post-competition transitions. The Czech Ministry of Sport launched the Athlete Transition Program in 2022, offering financial support, career counseling, and networking opportunities for retired athletes. This program has been instrumental in helping athletes like Dolanský and Chýlková navigate their new careers.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their successes, these athletes face unique challenges in their post-competition lives. The transition from the structured environment of sports to the unpredictable world of business or advocacy can be daunting. Krejčíková, for instance, has spoken openly about the pressure to maintain her tennis rankings while managing her philanthropic work. “You’ll see days when I feel like I’m juggling too many balls,” she admitted in a 2024 interview.
Dolanský, too, has highlighted the mental toll of coaching at the national level. “The expectations are immense, and the scrutiny is relentless. But that’s what makes it rewarding,” he noted. Chýlková, while still early in her advocacy career, has faced criticism for her outspoken stance on gender equality in sports. “It’s tough to be a young woman speaking up in a male-dominated industry, but I won’t back down,” she asserted.
These challenges are not unique to Czech athletes. A 2025 study by IOC found that 40% of retired athletes struggle with identity crises and financial instability in their first year post-retirement. However, the athletes profiled here are proving that with the right support and strategy, these challenges can be overcome.
What’s Next?
As these athletes continue to build their legacies beyond sports, their next moves are closely watched. Krejčíková is expected to announce new philanthropic partnerships in 2026, with a focus on expanding her foundation’s reach into Eastern Europe. Dolanský’s coaching tenure with the Czech national team will be a key focus in the lead-up to the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers, where his strategies will be tested on the international stage. Chýlková, meanwhile, is set to launch a documentary series in 2026, exploring the stories of female athletes in Central Europe.
For fans and aspiring athletes, their journeys offer a roadmap for success beyond competition. Whether through business, advocacy, or coaching, these icons are redefining what it means to be a sports legend.
What are your thoughts on their transitions? Share your insights or ask questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with fellow sports enthusiasts.