- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- persistence and determination
- physical fitness and endurance
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties will depend on your event but may include:
- indoor and outdoor training sessions and exercise routines
- practising running, throwing or jumping drills
- working with fitness coaches in the gym to build up strength and conditioning
- having treatment with physiotherapists for any injuries
- identifying areas for improvement with your coach
- taking part in trials and competitive races
- travelling to athletics events, including overseas for international championships
- taking part in promotional and media activities for your club
- mentoring younger athletes
You may need to wear a sports kit.
You could work on a sports field or at a sports arena.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
You could move into coaching with clubs, colleges and universities. Your experience would also be useful for jobs in community sports development or sports management.
You might also take further training to become a sports physiotherapist, nutritionist or sports scientist.
You can get more details about how to become an athlete from British Athletics and UK Athletics.
