Pathways from youth to masters swimming: Exploring long-term influences of youth swimming experiences

Abstract

ObjectivesSome swimmers, “continuers,” transition directly from youth swimming into masters swimming. Others, “rekindlers,” take time off before returning to swimming as masters athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore how youth swimming experiences shape subsequent participation in masters swimming. DesignThis research was guided by a qualitative description method, as described by Sandelowski (2000). MethodTwenty masters swimmers (10 men and 10 women, M age = 40.5 years) were purposefully selected for semi-structured retrospective interviews regarding their youth swimming experiences and transitions into masters swimming. Eight were continuers, and 12 were rekindlers. Data were submitted to qualitative content analysis. ResultsAnalyses revealed disruptive, attractive, and enabling forces stemming from youth swimming. For rekindlers, high training volume in youth swimming led to negative physical and emotional consequences and scheduling conflicts between swimming and other activities. When they felt their performance was no longer improving, these costs led them to drop out of youth swimming. In contrast, the continuers’ focus on enjoyment, social aspects, and other non-performance-related reasons for swimming led to a smooth transition from youth swimming into masters swimming. As adults, rekindlers had confidence in their swimming abilities because of their youth training, but they required a shift away from performance-related motives in order to return to swimming. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the varied and long-lasting influences of youth sport experiences on adult sport participation. They also point to some specific theoretical and practical implications for researchers, coaches, parents, and club administrators.