Abstract
Little research has investigated the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of athletic identity. The purpose of the present study was to provide a first investigation of the factors that contribute to identification with the athlete role. A qualitative study was performed with 10 retired Olympic athletes 1.5 months after the Sydney Olympic Games. A hierarchical content analysis revealed an organization of social and personal factors perceived to influence the feeling of being an elite athlete. Social factors included having a part-time job, the sport environment, contact with teammates, and global social recognition. Personal factors consisted of identification with the elite sport lifestyle and the bodily dimension of elite sport. Implications for practice are discussed in relation to factors that could induce crisis in the event of sport injury or sport career termination.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
