From athlete to leader: Petra Levay on the IPC’s first leadership course
Paralympic triathlete Petra Levay shares her experience participating in the Para Athlete Professionals leadership course The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is accepting applications for the next cohort. Applications are now open until 24 July 2026. 08 Jul 2026
In May, 19 Paralympians celebrated completing a seven-month leadership course organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), designed to support retiring athletes in transitioning into leadership roles beyond sport.
The Para Athlete Professionals programme equips athletes with the skills, confidence and networks needed to thrive within the Paralympic Movement and beyond, supporting their transition from high-performance sport to life after competition.
With the application period for the second cohort of Paralympians now open until 24 July, we spoke to members of the inaugural group and, over the coming weeks, we will be publishing a series of stories to share their key takeaways and messages for future participants.
Here, Hungary’s Petra Levay, who competed in Para triathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, shares what the programme meant to her. Beyond gaining valuable skills and knowledge, she says the course gave her something just as important: friends that make her feel at home.
IPC: Why did you participate in the Para Athletes Professionals course?
When I first saw this opportunity, I was really happy because I have learned and gained a lot through the Paralympic Movement and Para sport. I thought this was a good opportunity to become more involved in the Paralympic Movement and to give something back to it. This was my main motivation for joining the programme.
IPC: What are some of the things you learned from the course? And what kind of leader would you like to become?
I learned a lot of practical skills. We learned about decision-making processes, and that was very useful. We also learned how to negotiate difficult conversations.
I think a leader has to be fair and sensitive, but the same time, honest, hardworking and skilled. I hope I will become a leader like that – someone who has strong skills and can also be fair. I already know how to be a good leader, so I can fulfill it.
IPC: What did you think about going through the course with fellow Paralympians?
It was great that we met in person in November. After that, through the online sessions, we supported each other. We had a group chat where we shared our thoughts and important things in our lives.
We became friends, but I think it’s more than friendship. In the Paralympic Movement, it is like a Paralympic family, and it feels like that. We were talking about how we share the same values and it feels like home.
We are from around the world and we are very different. But at the same time, we share something that brings us together. We share the same passion, and not many people would understand that.
IPC: What do you think about completing the course?
I am a bit of a melancholic person, so I have mixed feelings. It’s time for us to fly and shine, but it also feels strange. But I’m proud of all of us that we did it – it was hard. We had a lot of homework and things to think about. It was quite hard, and I’m proud that we could do that.
IPC: How would you recommend this course to retiring Para athletes?
I would recommend them to participate and apply for this course. Before, I knew I had learned a lot from sport and the Paralympic Movement, but I didn’t fully realise that no university could ever teach me what the Paralympic Movement did.
I realised through this course that I have skills that can be transferable to daily life. If I hadn’t participated, I might not have recognised that.
About the Para Athlete Professionals Programme
From 2025 to 2028, a select group of Paralympians from around the world will take part in this annual programme, designed to unlock their leadership potential.
Through in-person and online learning, participants will build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in leadership roles. Cultivating a new generation of Para athletes who are not only ambassadors for the Paralympic Movement but also active, impactful changemakers in their communities and beyond.
How to apply for the 2026-2027 programme
Following the successful completion of its first-ever leadership course for retiring Paralympians in May 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced a call for applications for the second cycle.
The six-month course takes place both in-person and online, and will kick off at the IPC Campus in Bonn, Germany, in November 2026. After the initial week in Bonn, Paralympians will participate in several months of online learning courses covering subjects including financial literacy, strategic thinking, and public speaking. At the end of the course, Paralympians will present an Athlete Transition Action Plan, a personalised strategy for career advancement and long-term impact.
To be eligible for the course, applicants must be Paralympians who have competed in at least one edition of the Paralympic Games and have retired from competition or are in the process of retiring.
The application for the 2026/2027 cycle can be accessed here. Applications are now open until 24 July 2026.
