Meet the retired Olympic champions starting second careers at Goldman Sachs with zero financial expertise and no office experience

Fortune

by Emma Burleigh

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Goldman Sachs is offering second careers to Olympic champions who lack financial expertise or office experience. These athletes are being hired for qualities like resilience, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure—traits they honed during their sports careers. The bank recognizes that these skills are highly transferable to roles in finance, where managing risk and navigating high-stakes environments are crucial. Ryan Held, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, transitioned from the pool to a role as a risk analyst at Goldman Sachs. Initially uncertain about his fit for banking, he found inspiration in the bank’s focus on perseverance and determination. Similarly, Rob Williams, a former rowing silver medalist, has spent over 14 years at Goldman Sachs, leveraging his competitive spirit and teamwork skills in his career. This shift highlights how companies are increasingly valuing soft skills like grit and adaptability alongside technical expertise. For athletes, it opens new opportunities beyond sports, proving that success is not limited to traditional paths. For businesses, it demonstrates the value of diverse talent pools and the importance of identifying potential beyond conventional qualifications. The trend also underscores the evolving nature of the workforce, where skills gained outside traditional academic or professional settings are being recognized as valuable assets. By embracing this approach, Goldman Sachs is setting a precedent for other companies to rethink their hiring strategies and consider candidates with unconventional backgrounds who bring unique strengths to the table.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026