From the Podium to the Performance

An estimated 77 world-level athletes are currently part of Cirque du Soleil.

“O” has seen the greatest number of Olympic athletes with 8 in its current cast.

Cirque du Soleil can provide elite athletes with a new form of expression, shifting from goal-oriented competition to performance-oriented storytelling.

In all, about 40% of Cirque’s performers come from artistic, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics backgrounds, as well as from trampoline, tumbling, diving and synchronized swimming.

Cirque du Soleil recruits competitive athletes and Olympians via the Internet and by scouting at competitive events. Life after national competitions or the Olympics can prove difficult for athletes, as their regimented lives have revolved solely around training and competition. They have to reintegrate into the non-competitive world, without their routines, funding, or support systems.

This period has been referred to as “the post-Olympic blues,” a still relatively under-researched phenomenon that has been highlighted by the athletes themselves.

While options for employment exist – such as coaching, commentating, or competing again – many athletes report feeling aimless or without direction. Not only do former competitive athletes and Olympians perform in Cirque du Soleil shows, but they can also assist with scouting, coaching, and onboarding, providing a necessary perspective to the organization as a whole.

A stellar example is Fabrice Becker, a French gold medalist of the 1992 Albertville games, who took first place in ski ballet, a demonstration sport. He then moved on to Cirque du Soleil, first as a member of the casting team, and is now Vice President of Creation.