The Life-worlds of Elite Young Athletes: A Lens on their School/Sport Balancing Act

Abstract

This article takes steps toward illuminating, from an ecological perspective and social network theory stance, the life-worlds of elite young athletes in New Zealand secondary schools. Recent qualitative research about the lives of four elite female sportswomen foregrounds this article which seeks to inform and to enlighten New Zealand educators and government policy makers about the needs and issues surrounding exceptional athletes. These athletes are present but not always visible in Physical Education lessons and co-curricular sport in New Zealand schools. This article aims to shed light on the micro, meso and macro worlds of exceptional young athletes, and the influences, interactions, interrelations and interdependencies that affect their everyday lives. The educator’s role in support of these exceptional young athletes has been investigated with recommendations made for future improvements. The challenge now is to initiate further discourse and to reflect on current policies and practices so that the notion of providing comprehensive and enduring provision (Ministry of Education, 2000) for gifted and talented students, within a Physical Education and sporting context, is recognised and acted upon.