Now that the flame is extinguished at the Olympics, some athletes will disappear from Olympic competition. Some head off to college. Others resume previous careers, and others pursue fields that may be related to or completely different from their sport.

Many former Olympians appear on TV as commentators and broadcasters during the Olympics or world championships for their sports. Check out some of the gold-medal careers some past medalists are doing now…

Eric Heiden

Photo: heidenorthopaedic.com

The speed skater, who earned five gold medals in the 1980 Winter games, earned his medical degree from Stanford University and now is a Park City, Utah-based orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.

And, he’s not the only Olympian who has gone into orthopedics. Figure skater Debi Thomas, who won a bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics, is an orthopedic adult reconstruction specialist at UAP Clinic’s Bone and Joint Center in Terre Haute, Ind.

What you can learn: The training offered by orthopedic schools prepares people for employment in the in-demand field as orthopedic surgeons, typically after 14 years of education, as well as orthopedic technicians, who measure, fabricate, and fit orthotic appliances.

Phil and Steve Mahre

The twin brothers and alpine skiers (Phil won the gold and Steve won silver at the 1984 Games in the slalom) run the Mahre Training Center Ski Camps in Deer Valley, Utah.

What you can learn: The Mahres remained in a sport they loved but used it to pursue a business, which is something you can do by taking small business management classes to turn your passion into a entrepreneurial success.

Jim Craig

The goaltender for the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey team that upset the Soviet Union in the semifinals runs Gold Medal Strategies, a promotions and marketing firm in Boston. He’s worked with companies including Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts, John Hancock, Time Inc., Walt Disney and Welch’s.

What you can learn: Craig’s focus on marketing and promotions now, in addition to his speaking engagements, may make you consider the career opportunities available in marketing and advertising through advertising schools.

Dan Jansen

Photo: Dan-Jansen.com

The speed skater, whose sister passed away from leukemia just before he competed in the 1988 Olympics, claimed the gold in the 1994 Olympics. He now is founder of the Dan Jensen Foundation, which benefits victims of leukemia and their families, and serves as a motivational speaker and sports commentator.

What you can learn: Jansen’s ability to speak to organizations and groups could encourage you to improve your public speaking skills while enrolling in management programs to lead businesses.

Peggy Fleming

The figure skater who won the gold medal at the 1968 games in Grenoble, France, owns Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery with her husband in California. Like Jensen, she’s also provided TV commentary on figure skating and has speaking engagements with organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Hallmark, and American Express.

What you can learn: Wine schools capitalize on the continued popularity of wine in the U.S., and could make you a wine expert to eventually own your own winery or assist customers in wine stores, restaurants and luxury resorts.

Michelle Kwan

The figure skater who won a silver at the 1998 Olympics and a bronze in the 2002 Olympics, earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in political science from the University of Denver and entered the international affairs programs at Tufts University, according to People magazine.

What you can learn: Pursuing the education from international business schools and global management schools are a must if you plan to do business or work for a company with a global mindset.

Now that we’ve looked at past Olympians, do you have any suggestions for careers some of the 2010 Olympians could do once they retire from the Games?

—Lori Johnston
Additional reporting by Holly Hess, Robert Inskip, and Melanie Turner