I am not know the things about the sports...^_^

The athletes think it is honor to represent the country to compete in th games.
But as a athlete ,they can't keep the state.Because they will become old , and then can't play very well. This is the fact ,everyone can't avoid it. From my point of view, when they become old ,if they have the ability to appear in the game ,they can continue their sports career. Otherwise , they can quit the job and become an ordinary people.
Totti quit the national team which doesn't mean he can't contribute to the nation. Although he has quited, he can help the newer to develop ,helping them to adapt the team quickly and win the honor for the nation.
And the achievement of the athletes can't depend on how many balls they kicked into the goal. It must be obejective. Maybe an athlete can play an important role in the team and let the team become stronger and stronger .This also is the achievement of the athletes.