Tapio Korjus Advocates for Better Support for Former Athletes
In the world of sports, where high stakes and fierce competition reign, few understand the intricacies of the system quite like Tapio Korjus. An Olympic champion and influential figure in sports policy, Korjus has dedicated decades to shaping the landscape of athleticism through working groups and development initiatives. Despite notable achievements, he believes the battle for ex-athletes’ rights is far from over.
Korjus candidly reflects on the disparity between cultural and sporting organizations, noting that while the arts community has adeptly championed its interests, the sports sector has lagged behind. He acknowledges the success of cultural advocates but urges the sports fraternity to step up its game.
Perhaps most pressing, Korjus highlights the glaring discrepancies in pension provisions for athletes. Currently, only 28 individuals benefit from athlete pensions, while artists receive an average of 1,100 euros per month. The chilling reality is that even when eligible former athletes exist, one must pass away before their spot can be filled.
The figures tell the story: a staggering 21 million euros is allocated annually for artist pensions, compared to a mere 350,000 euros for athletes. “This disparity is no longer solely the responsibility of the educational system,” Korjus points out, indicating the urgent need for reform in how we support sports figures.
He reminds us that athletes often sacrifice their youth to excel in their discipline, yet find little in the way of pension savings. Despite these sacrifices, they are expected to represent their countries with pride, make media appearances, and secure victories in high-stakes tournaments.
“The foundational idea is sound,” he argues, “the additional pension aims to compensate for the lack of accumulated funds. However, it shouldn’t hinge on the number of recipients. If an athlete meets the criteria, they should receive the pension without delay.”
A Call for Athlete Salaries
In a bold suggestion, Korjus advocates for the introduction of an athlete salary system. A guaranteed income—even at the minimum wage level—would provide much-needed stability for aspiring sports professionals.
“Right now, we’re relying on grants that only last a year,” he says, emphasizing the need for sustainable support. “Strategies aimed at long-term success often fall short; we’re simply encouraging athletes to endure instead of thrive.”
The financial gulf between different sports is stark. Many young ballplayers can turn professional at an early age, while athletes from less commercially popular sports, like javelin throwers, struggle to find the same allure. “It’s no surprise that we’re not seeing more javelin throwers emerging,” Korjus notes, “who would want to enter a sport that treats its athletes like a squeezed lemon?”
As he champions these concerns, Korjus remains a pivotal voice urging systemic change for ex-athletes—a community that has given so much yet received so little in return. The time for action, he insists, is now.