My younger brother was a full-time professional athlete (basketball) from his late teens until late thirties, so I saw a lot of his career progression and that of his peers.
I think risky territory is to have children that are good enough to be almost professional athletes but not so bad that they just play socially or drop out. There are a fair few competent athletes who defer or never study because they get training roles that chew up a few vital underpaid years, and then leave them with a "I didn't make it" mindset afterwards. Professional? Great. Play, then leverage the contacts to move into a new career. Social? Great. Fitness and fun, while you're able to study/work with your peers.
Reminds me a tiny bit of the Silver medal in team sports. 3v4 play and the Bronze winners end on a high. 1v2 play, and the Silver medallists finish on a low.
I think risky territory is to have children that are good enough to be almost professional athletes but not so bad that they just play socially or drop out. There are a fair few competent athletes who defer or never study because they get training roles that chew up a few vital underpaid years, and then leave them with a "I didn't make it" mindset afterwards. Professional? Great. Play, then leverage the contacts to move into a new career. Social? Great. Fitness and fun, while you're able to study/work with your peers.
Reminds me a tiny bit of the Silver medal in team sports. 3v4 play and the Bronze winners end on a high. 1v2 play, and the Silver medallists finish on a low.