Elite Athletes’ Social Protection in Olympic Sports in Europe: An Evaluation of the Status Quo: Evaluation Report Sopros-Project

Elite athletes in the context of Olympic sports face a variety of challenges, among which social protection has received little attention so far. These challenges include – among others –complex and sometimes insufficient financial support, limited career prospects after retirement from sport, and the need for adequate social security during and after their athletic careers. In this regard, specific measures and support systems are necessary to meet the particular needs of athletes and to ensure an adequate level of social protection. The SOPROS Evaluation Report examines the current landscape of social protection for elite athletes in Olympic sports, with a focus on five European countries: Croatia, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. It delivers a detailed conceptual framework, empirical analysis, and policy evaluation, aiming to establish a comprehensive understanding of the institutional, legal and economic mechanisms shaping athletes’ access to social security. The report identifies both
critical governance characteristics and key challenges to the full realisation of athletes’ social rights.