How Nicola Spirig empowers the next generation

Words by Robert Birnbaum. Photography by Daniel Meumann, Nathalie Chavez, Logan Swney, Spirig Family Archive.

Go all out on race day, recover fast, get back to training and toe another start line soon after – such is the life and routine of a pro athlete. Or at least the fraction that’s visible to the public eye. Between racing and training, athletes like Petra Kuříková face many other tasks that are often overlooked: building and maintaining a social media presence, planning for the future, and understanding their options around longer-term career and financial security. Striking a balance between these demands and delivering peak performance challenges even the most seasoned pros.

“Athletes have to focus on what they do here and now. Our world is small, we dedicate ourselves to training and racing. We can only look ahead so far,” the Olympic triathlete explains.

Swiss triathlon legend, Nicola Spirig understands that world intimately, “You can’t take care of everything. When you train so much, you can’t be a pro at everything. Since retiring from a pro athlete career in 2022 [with Olympic gold and silver medals under her belt], the former On athlete has found a new calling: creating a support system for athletes to fully focus on developing – in their sport and as people.

“There’s so much more of everything for athletes these days – races, social media, deals, opinions. In turn, it also becomes harder to find the best opportunities for themselves.”

As the Head of the On Athlete Compass program, she passes on her rich experience as an athlete. Simultaneously, she’s building up a bank of support options for the next generation of athletes. After her long and successful career, she knows exactly what they need to spread their wings and realize their potential. And the moments when they need someone in their corner. Her experience stems both from positive experiences and formative memories that taught her the importance of a strong support network.

“I was lucky to always have the right people around me when it mattered most. Without that, I surely wouldn’t have made it this far,” she says.

Spirig recalls one time above all. 

“I found myself in a hospital bed after a bike crash in training. Thanks to my network, I immediately knew at which hospital I could find the best experts to treat me. Back then, I thought a medical network would be the first thing I’d set up for other athletes. To know that they’re in the best hands, whenever they face a similar situation. When they’re in the dark about the impact [that the accident or injury may have] on their career and their life.”

Spirig did just that. And the On Athlete Compass goes beyond medical guidance. Based on conversations with athletes and coaches, surveys and Spirig’s unique experience, the program is split into six areas.

“We’re offering support for their physical and mental preparation, for health and recovery, for personal and career development, finance, personal branding and media. On top of that, we created the ‘On Family Experience’ to connect our athletes even more. My role is to install a structure that benefits all of our [over 200] athletes equally while being tailored to their individual needs.”

Across all pillars, the program follows one cohesive goal, as Spirig puts it: “We give the athletes an opportunity for everything that’s of value to them, and that helps them develop as athletes and as human beings.”

This value can vary between athletes. Runners who train twice a day can enrich their spare time with mental coaching or further education sessions. For athletes with a higher training load, the program adds value to their lives while taking some weight off their shoulders. After all, no matter how fast an athlete is, they can’t outrun real-life admin such as making a retirement plan, legal counseling or their taxes. All of this costs energy. Through a network of experts, the athletes can save this energy and still set themselves up for life after sports.

Petra Kuříková became a challenger on the triathlon world stage early in her career. But the ambitious Czech always worked on her plan B: “My parents told me at a young age that I can’t bank on sports alone. By the time I was 26 years old, I had finished a bachelor’s degree in sports management and my master’s degree in business administration.”

While studying, Kuříková dedicated her time and energy to perfecting her swim, bike and run. In 2021, she represented her home country at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Within her training circle, she always spread enthusiasm and soon, Kuříková was also setting up training plans for her peers. A situation where she could make her living like this was only a distant dream back then. Fast-forward to today, and she has turned her dreams into reality, with guidance from the career development service of the On Athlete Compass.

“Career planning helped me tremendously. I’ve always had goals for the future. But I never knew they were feasible. So we examined my future step by step. This instilled the confidence in me that my ideas are realistic. That they’re more than dreams.”

Having a plan B in place does more for Kuříková than offer future security. Knowing that she’s got a plan for tomorrow allows her to go all in today. It also opens a new door outside of sport.

“Athletes are not machines. You can always have an off day. Because of the program, I feel less pressure to perform. I’ve got an alternative if it doesn’t pan out for me in sports. And that’s key for my mindset. I also gained confidence that I’m good at more than just sport. The program opens up my world and makes it a little bigger.”

Another pro athlete benefitting from Spirig’s guidance through the On Athlete Compass is runner Otmane Nait Hammou. The Moroccan competed for the Athlete Refugee Team (ART) and recently relocated to the US. He remembers his first touchpoint with the program like it was yesterday. 

“I was surprised. I had never heard of anything like it. When a sponsor cares about your education, future, health and more – it’s more than a partnership with a brand, it’s a human connection.”

Nait Hammou saw this as the opportunity he had been missing, especially when it came to education.

“I was sad that I couldn’t finish my bachelor’s degree for financial reasons. I felt like something was missing deep inside of me. When I saw the program included opportunities to further my education, I felt emotional. That was my dream.”

Nait Hammou mentions particular areas where the program offers him support. And even the smallest details make an undeniable difference for athletes like him.

“I’ve used all pillars of the program: Insurance options, nutrition, education, how to write a resume. All of these things allow athletes like me to perform better, and recover faster. You feel safe.”

Kuříková and Nait Hammou both agree on that Spirig’s had a positive impact on their careers. Not just through the support systems she has installed, but thanks to her unique experience. 

“Nicola is amazing,” Nait Hammou says. “She’s an Olympic champion, but so humble. She understands us athletes, how we feel and how we train.”

“It’s best to learn from the best,” Kuříková adds.

This kind of impact proves how Spirig’s efforts for the program are already paying off.

“This feedback is one of the highlights of my role. One athlete messaged me, saying: ‘The mental coaching was a true game-changer for me.’ Hearing this, shows me how the program is key for their development.”

And Spirig’s motto for her career’s second wind reflects that ‘pay it forward’ mentality, “My athletic career is over. Now I get to help other athletes with their careers.”