Army Major and Olympian gives retirement advice to Andy Murray

In the realm of elite athletes, the question of identity post-competition looms large and a British Army Olympian has given her advice to Andy Murray.

Two-time Olympic rowing champion Major Heather Stanning considers herself fortunate to have seamlessly transitioned back into a military career after her sporting triumphs and urged Murray to find something that fills the void left by sport after the tennis star made a hint about retiring.

Reflecting on the challenges that follow the end of a rowing career, and speaking to Mishal Husain of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Maj Stanning offered a unique perspective on finding purpose beyond the podium.

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In a discussion about tennis legend Murray's potential future retirement, presenter Husain remarked: "He is going to have many options and projects put to him, but most people who leave sports won't have that.

"But perhaps the common thread for everyone is who are you once you stop competing?"

Maj Stanning, who returned to her military service following her illustrious sporting career, emphasised how lucky she felt that she had a career to go back to.

"I think it's that sense of purpose, the reason to get up every day," she said.

Maj Stanning was commissioned from Sandhurst into the Royal Artillery at the age of 23 as a captain.

She was promoted to major in December 2015 and resumed Army work full-time in 2017 after winning gold in the Rio Olympics the previous year.

Heather Stanning, along with Helen Glover, became the first British female rowers to win an Olympic title and the first to successfully defend their title four years later.

When Maj Stanning decided to retire from elite sport, she believed she was "in a better place than many".

The seamless transition from the intense world of competitive sports to the structured environment of military service provided her with a distinct sense of purpose.

"I'll get in trouble if I'm not at parade at a certain time, and I've got soldiers to look after," she explained, underlining the importance of having a daily mission beyond the sports arena.

Maj Stanning's service gave her purpose beyond her athletic career and was there to "fill that void of sport", she said.

Today, the former Olympic champion, serving in the Royal Artillery, wholeheartedly embraces her military career without any regrets about retiring from rowing, as her oars have now found a home in the Army Rowing Club.