Matildas star drives support network for retired athletes following tragic death of AFL stars Adam and Troy Selwood
AFL fans were left reeling earlier this year following the deaths of the twin brothers.
Troy Selwood died by suicide in early February. His twin brother Adam, a premiership player for the West Coast Eagles, died just three months later.
The news stunned the sporting community and placed fresh focus on the mental and emotional challenges elite athletes often face once their careers end.
Now, Matildas legend Elise Kellond-Knight has stepped forward to help lead the response.
The retired midfielder, who represented Australia across 17 years and two Olympic Games, is backing a new initiative by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to support athletes adjusting to life after elite competition.
The program, called the Retired Athlete Peer Support Network, offers a safe space for former athletes to connect, reflect, and rebuild.
'It's heartbreaking,' Kellond-Knight said in an interview with Wide World of Sports.
'It's something you just don't fathom is possible, and you would hope that they had every possible piece of support around them before what eventuated.'
The network aims to give retired athletes an opportunity to share experiences with others who understand the emotional toll of stepping away from sport.
Whether it's been a year or a decade since they last competed, the program encourages connection and conversation, something Kellond-Knight believes is sorely needed.
'It shows you how hard it is for athletes to adjust to a new way of life,' she said.
'To basically give up one of their nearest, dearest things to them. It does show you the struggles that we all go through.'
The program was developed following consultation with psychologists, coaches, and athletes, and was strongly pushed by the AIS athlete advisory committee - a group that includes both current and retired stars such as Olympic champion Nina Kennedy, surfing icon Sally Fitzgibbons, and Paralympic legend Kurt Fearnley.
The committee raised concerns with AIS leaders that retirement support was lacking, particularly for athletes grappling with identity loss and disconnection.
'One of the big things every retired athlete I've ever spoken to has referred to is change of identity,' AIS executive general manager of performance Matti Clements said.
'Some will call it a loss of identity, others will say they're stepping into a new phase, but for many, it's, 'I don't know who I am anymore.'
Kellond-Knight, who retired in October last year, admitted that while her identity as an athlete remained strong, the shift in routine and physical activity was difficult to manage.
'I've still got this really healthy relationship with Elise the footballer,' she said.
'I still play in the Victorian Premier League, I'm deputy chair of Professional Footballers Australia, and I commentate on matches. So the identity part isn't hard.'
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Lifeline Crisis Text Service : 0477 13 11 14
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