Abstract
Murray, Jhanitra Rhesa. Factors identified by elite athletes that influence performance: Differences between group/individual sports and professional/amateur status.
Athletes participate in sports for a variety of reasons. This study focused on several factors commonly attributed to performance in sports. Thirteen athletes who have been identified as elite sports people in their respective sports participated and agreed to be interviewed about what they believed influenced their performance. Specific factors attributed to performance in this schedule were support systems, training environment/competition, motivational factors, coaching influence/expertise, financial circumstances, physical and psychological attributes, and planning.
Interview analysis and case reports were used to determine and evaluate the most important factors elite athletes reported as being influential on performance. Differences between group/individual and professional/amateur athletes were investigated. The various differences between the sport codes were another area of interest. The athletes in this study could identify with all the factors in the questionnaire schedule, and these factors were seen as being influential on their overall performance.
The most common themes identified by all athletes, regardless of sports code, group/individual sports or professional/amateur status were financial circumstances and social supports. Athletes indicated these as being the major influences in ensuring they could participate to their full potential, and continue enjoying their sports.
The major implication of the study was the need to establish an effective funding agency and social support network that could support athletes, and especially those less fortunate who do not have sufficient economic and social support. This particularly applies to amateurs and people in individual sports.
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Community Psychology