Polish Athletes Research Articles

Personality Determinants Related to the Use of Selective and Effective Dietary Supplements by Elite Polish Team Sport Athletes.

The purpose of this research was to analyse relationships between personality traits and the use of selected dietary supplements among Polish athletes training in team sports. This subject matter has not been explored in prior research. This research was carried out among a group of 213 athletes (men) in the 18-36 age range, with the implementation of a proprietary validated questionnaire for the use of dietary supplements and the NEO-PI-R inventory (Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised). Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, assuming the following level of significance: α = 0.05. It was shown that athletes who periodically and regularly consumed isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, were characterised by a lower level of neuroticism than those who did not consume them. Athletes who periodically took multivitamin preparations were characterised by a lower level of extraversion and openness, and those periodically using multimineral preparations were characterised by a higher level of agreeableness than those who did not use these agents. Athletes not taking creatine were characterised by the lowest level of conscientiousness among the study participants. The use of protein nutrients, probiotics and caffeine was not associated with any personality traits in the athletes. Further relationships of the Big Five personality traits were demonstrated with the use of effective dietary supplements by athletes; the most unambiguous correlations were described for neuroticism and conscientiousness in such a way that the use of isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, was connected with a low level of neuroticism, while the use of creatine was connected with high conscientiousness.

Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were also analyzed. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview. Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test. Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status should be included in sports diagnostics.

Together, but Alone: A Thematic Analysis of the Athletes’ and Their Partners’ Experience of Physical Separation in Romantic Relationships

Athletes and their romantic partners may experience physical separation as a result of the frequent athletes’ training camps. Little is known about how such couples experience this separation. To fill this gap, the current interview-based research examined how three pairs of Polish athletes aged 22-30 (M = 23.50, SD = 25.17) experience separation in their relationships. The thematic analysis identified four themes: 1) Perception of separation as an element of the relationship; 2) Emotions during separation; 3) Maintaining contact during separation; and 4) Coping with separation. The findings revealed that athletes and their partners perceived separation as a stage, opportunity, necessity, and natural part of their relationships. Emotions related to separation ranged from negative through mixed to positive. Partners maintained regular contact, which provided closeness and continuity in their relationships despite the distance. Finally, partners coped with separation by accepting its necessity, enhanced by the awareness of the realities of sport life. They also coped with separation through mutual support, self-realization, distraction and being among other people and seeking support from them. This study suggests that physical separation in romantic relationships may be an essential and multifaceted part of the participants’ experiences in the romantic functioning and sports careers.

The COL27A1 and COL11A1 gene variants are not associated with the susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament rupture in Polish athletes

Introduction: Sports injuries are the most common cause of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Previous research has demonstrated links between some of the COL27A1 and COL11A1 genetic variants and musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. However, no previous research has investigated the COL27A1 rs1570460 and the COL11A1 rs3753841 in the context of ACL rupture in any population. Thus, our study aimed to assess the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), i.e., COL27A1 rs946053 and COL11A1 rs3753841, and the occurrence of ACL injury (ACL-I) in a cohort of Polish athletes. Methods: The study enrolled 233 athletes with ACL-I (161 males and 71 females) and 228 healthy control athletes (143 males and 85 females) with no prior ACL-I history. Genotyping was conducted to assess the presence of COL27A1 rs946053 and COL11A1 rs3753841 genetic variants. Statistical analyses were performed using the R programming environment and package, and an association between SNPs and ACL-I was tested in four genetic models: dominant, co-dominant recessive, and over-dominant. Results: All the analyzed polymorphisms conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The study revealed no significant differences between the ACL-I and control groups. Conclusions: Despite the absence of significant associations between the investigated SNPs and ACL-I in this study, our findings highlight the importance of continued research to unravel the precise genetic risk mechanisms and etiological factors contributing to ACL-I.

Self-Declared and Measured Prevalence of Glucocorticoid Use in Polish Athletes

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are included in the list of prohibited substances and methods in sport published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In its 2022 update, the WADA list prohibits all injectable routes of administration of GCs for use during in-competition periods. Previously, GCs were prohibited in-competition when administered by oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal routes, but local injections (in addition to topical applications) were allowed. This study first investigated the prevalence of GC use by athletes in Poland, declared in 2130 doping control forms, and the related 2130 urine samples analysed at the Polish Anti-Doping Laboratory. Second, the validity of the analytical methodology to detect GCs was evaluated with the updated WADA requirement for substance-specific minimum reporting levels and considering the proposed washout periods. Despite the new regulation in place, the use of 30 different GC preparations were declared in a total of 162 occurrences (8% of the tests) with therapeutic purposes. Laboratory analyses resulted in the presence of GCs in 16 occurrences with only two samples with a concentration triggering an adverse analytical finding. Our study allowed us to confirm that the applied methodology for the determination of GCs in urine samples (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) remains fully valid after the latter regulation change while the challenge to assess the timing and administration route for GCs persists.

Personality Determinants of Exercise-Related Nutritional Behaviours among Polish Team Sport Athletes.

A proper diet increases the effectiveness of training and accelerates post-workout regeneration. One of the factors determining eating behaviour are personality traits, including those included in the Big Five model, i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. The aim of this study was to analyse the personality determinants of peri-exercise nutritional behaviours among an elite group of Polish athletes practicing team sports. The study was conducted in a group of 213 athletes, using the author's validated questionnaire of exercise-related nutrition behaviours and the NEO-PI-R (Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised). A statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's linear correlation and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients as well as a multiple regression analysis, assuming a significance level of α = 0.05. It has been shown that the level of the overall index regarding normal peri-exercise eating behaviours decreased with increasing neuroticism (r = -0.18) and agreeableness (r = -0.18). An analysis of the relationship between the personality traits (sub-scales) of the Big Five model demonstrated that the overall index of proper peri-exercise nutrition decreased with the intensification of three neuroticism traits, i.e., hostility/anger (R = -0.20), impulsiveness/immoderation (R = -0.18), and vulnerability to stress/learned helplessness (R = -0.19), and four traits of agreeableness, i.e., straightforwardness/morality (R = -0.17), compliance/cooperation (R = -0.19), modesty (R = -0.14), and tendermindedness/sympathy (R = -0.15) (p < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis exhibited that the full model consisting of all the analysed personality traits explained 99% of the variance concerning the level of the proper peri-exercise nutrition index. In conclusion, the index of proper nutrition under conditions of physical effort decreases along with the intensification of neuroticism and agreeableness among Polish athletes professionally practicing team sports.

Are COL22A1 Gene Polymorphisms rs11784270 and rs6577958 Associated with Susceptibility to a Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Polish Athletes?

Understanding the risk factors and etiology of ACL ruptures (anterior cruciate ligament) is crucial due to the injury’s high occurrence, significant financial cost to the healthcare sector, and clinical consequences. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that rs11784270 A/C and rs6577958 C/T SNPs (single gene polymorphism) within COL22A1 are associated with ACL ruptures (ACLR) in Polish soccer players. Methods: 228 athletes with ACLR (157 male, age 26 ± 4, 71 female, age 26 ± 6) and 202 control athletes (117 male, age 26 ± 6, 85 female, age 29 ± 2) engaged in the study. The buccal cell swabs were genotyped using TaqMan® pre-designed SNP genotyping assays, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The R program and SNPassoc package were used to determine the genotype and allele frequency distributions under the various inheritance models (co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and over-dominant). Further, p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. We found no association between the analyzed polymorphisms and the risk of non-contact ACL ruptures in any of the studied models. Although the genetic variants investigated in this study were not associated with the risk of non-contact ACL ruptures, we assumed that the COL22A1 gene remains a candidate for further investigations in musculoskeletal injuries.

Personality Determinants of Eating Behaviours among an Elite Group of Polish Athletes Training in Team Sports

The nutritional behaviours of athletes are determined by environmental and individual factors. The aim of the research was to analyse the personality determinants of the eating behaviour among an elite group of Polish athletes training in team sports. The research was conducted among 213 athletes, using a proprietary validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire and the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R Personality Inventory). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of Pearson's linear and Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients, as well as multiple regression evaluation, assuming the significance level of α = 0.05. It was shown that the overall index of proper eating behaviour increased with increasing neuroticism (r = 0.132) and decreased with increasing openness to experience (r = -0.143). When assessing individual nutritional behaviours, it was indicated, among others, that with increasing neuroticism, athletes more often avoided energy drinks (R = 0.173), and with increasing extraversion, they more frequently consumed vegetables at least twice a day (R = 0.154). At the same time, the consumption of raw vegetables (R = -0.153), 2-3 portions of vegetables and fruit per day (R = -0.157) and the limitation of sweet and salty snacks (R = -0.152) decreased along with an increase in openness. On the other hand, with increasing conscientiousness, the regular consumption of meals (R = 0.186), dairy products (R = 0.143) and the reduction of sweet and salty snacks (R = 0.148) increased. The model built on the basis of the Big Five personality traits explained, to a very large extent (approx. 99%), variance concerning the general index of normal eating behaviour among athletes. The predictive significance of the personality traits presented in the Big Five model was demonstrated in relation to the quality of nutritional choices among Polish athletes competitively training in team sports, which may be used to personalise the dietary education of athletes.

Vaccine versus infection - COVID-19-related loss of training time in elite athletes.

ObjectiveTo determine the number of training days lost due to COVID-19 and vaccination against COVID-19 in elite athletes.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThe questionnaire on the impact of vaccination and COVID-19 on training plans was filled out by 1073 elite Polish athletes who underwent routine medical screening between September and December 2021.ResultsCOVID-19 was diagnosed in 421 subjects (39 %), of whom 26 % were asymptomatic. On the 10-point scale, <1 % of athletes had perceived severity of the disease above 8, whereas for 64 % it was 4 or below. Vaccination against COVID-19 was administered in 820 athletes (76 %), adverse events were observed more frequently after the first dose than after the second (69 % vs. 47 %).Influence on training (modified or lost) was declared by 369 of 421 (88 %) COVID-19 athletes, and by 226 of 820 vaccinated athletes (28 %). During the observation period, the average number of lost training days was 8.1 for COVID-19 and 2.6 for vaccination (p < 0.001). The cumulative number of person-days lost due to COVID-19 was 1041 versus 295 after vaccination thus, the average loss ratio was 1041/1073 = 0.97 vs 295/820 = 0.36, respectively, p < 0.01.ConclusionsAthletes have a considerable loss of training days due to COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 causes significantly smaller and predictable loss. This supports the inclusion of vaccination into prevention policies for athletes whenever they are available.

Validation of Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) among Polish athletes and the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation in sport

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, as well as to determine the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation among high-performance and recreational athletes. A total of 519 athletes aged M = 22.83 (SD = 4.92) participated in the study, including 266 males and 253 females. 242 athletes trained professionally and 277 recreationally. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) was used to assess anxiety levels, while the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) enabled to assess athletes’ goal orientation. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the model to the data for the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (CFI = 0.945, RMSEA = 0.072). The models obtained during analysis of high-performance and recreational athletes, women and men, also presented a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI 0.932–0.946). The configural, metric, scalar and strict measurement invariances were demonstrated for high-performance and recreational athletes as well as among women and men. High internal consistency coefficients (alpha 0.81–0.91) and a high test–retest reliability indexes were reported (ICC 0.74–0.87). Women presented higher level of competitive anxiety than men. A positive relationship between competitive anxiety and athletes’ ego orientation was also presented. This relationship concerned particularly women practicing sport recreationally.

Transmission Distortion of MCT1 rs1049434 among Polish Elite Athletes.

Background: To date, nearly 300 genetic markers were linked to endurance and power/strength traits. The current study aimed to compare genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the common polymorphisms: MCT1 rs1049434, NRF2 rs12594956, MYBPC3 rs1052373 and HFE rs1799945 in Polish elite athletes versus nonathletes. Methods: The study involved 101 male elite Polish athletes and 41 healthy individuals from the Polish population as a control group. SNP data were extracted from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) performed using the following parameters: paired reads of 150 bps, at least 90 Gb of data per sample with 300 M reads and 30× mean coverage. Results: All the analyzed polymorphisms conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in athletes and the control group, except the MCT1 rs1049434, where allele T was over-represented in the elite trainers’ group. No significant between-group differences were found for analyzed polymorphisms. Conclusions: The MCT1 rs1049434 transmission distortion might be characteristic of Polish athletes and the effect of strict inclusion criteria. This result and the lack of statistically significant changes in the frequency of other polymorphisms between the groups might result from the small group size.

Evaluation of hearing screening of Polish athletes with intellectual disability participating in Special Olympics Healthy Hearing Program

Introduction: The Healthy Hearing Program is part of the international Healthy Athletes program. The main assumption of the program is the systematic assessment of the condition of hearing in athletes with various levels of intellectual disability. Aim: The aim of the study is to present the results of hearing screening tests of Polish competitors participating in Special Olympics in comparison to the results obtained from the same tests of foreign sportsmen. Material and methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study describing 8 years of hearing screening in athletes with intellectual disabilities. The study includes a group of 9,405 players aged between 7 and 69, with intellectual disabilities of various degrees, participating in national and international sports competitions in 2009–2016. The group size of Polish competitors is 863, and the group of competitors from other countries (OWHOC) is 8,542. The assessment is based on the study of otoacoustic emission, tympanometry, and tonal audiometry. Results: Otoacoustic emission tests of Polish competitors revealed normal results for 17.3% in the right ear and 14.4% in the left ear. The results were similar for the group of foreign players: right ear – 15.1% and left ear – 11.7%. A correct tympanometry result was obtained for the right ear in 61.5%, and the left ear in 57.5% of Polish competitors. Foreign competitors obtained 69.5% of correct tympanometry results on both sides. The audiometric norm (0–20 dB) was obtained in the right ear in 16.7%, and in the left ear in 15.2% of Polish athletes. Foreigners obtained the correct result of audiometric examination on the right in 13.5%, and on the left in 11.5% of cases. Conclusions: The research indicates more frequent hearing disorders in people with intellectual disabilities compared to the population of people without disabilities. Conductive hearing loss is more frequent in comparison to non-disabled population. Screening of athletes participating in Special Olympics represents an important element in improving their health potential. The Healthy Hearing Program allows to train medical staff to effectively communicate with people with disabilities, as well as to run practical audiological examinations. It also allows to examine Special Olympics players, analyze their test results, and identify athletes with disabilities who require further assistance and help. The results of Polish athletes compared to foreign ones are similar.

‘Society Is Watching You Very Carefully’: Smuggling, the State and Athlete Attempts to Assert Agency in People's Poland

This article focuses on the most renowned smuggling case concerning Polish athletes during the Polish People's Republic (Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa; PRL). In the early 1970s, several Polish football and basketball players were caught smuggling dollars out of Poland and importing gold into the country for profit. The article discusses the roles states devised for athletes in the countries of real socialism and how athletes attempted to assert agency within these confines. It draws on work by Robert Edelman and Sylvain Dufraisse to show how athletes often did not behave in the way Eastern bloc states wished them to.

Evaluation and emotional consequences of the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Polish Elite Athletes

In March 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Olympic Committee decided to cancel the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and postpone it to 2021. This decision caused a lot of emotions among elite athletes and disrupted their preparation cycle for the most important quadrennial athletic competition. The aim of the study was to investigate how Polish elite athletes regard this decision and what emotions they feel about it. The current training situation of athletes was also monitored during the study. 478 Polish elite athletes took part in the survey. The results showed that the athletes feel stronger sadness and uncertainty compared to the beginning of the year. Athletes with Olympic qualifi cation consider the decision to cancel the Olympic Games to be much more negative, but – what is interesting – is that they rate the current training options higher and declare feeling less concern about their sports form next year. Two independent clusters show that some athletes experience an increase in negative emotions, while others do not experience major changes (compared to the beginning of the year). Using factor analysis, two factors were also distinguished – emotional and sports. Both exhibited statistically signifi cantly correlations with opinions about the current training situation. The results obtained allow for the development of valuable recommendations regarding support for athletes. Strengthening the ability to regulate emotions, working with the structure of properly formulated goals and building awareness of maintaining a good attitude and approach will be particularly important.

Participation and performance trends: Polish Nordic marathoners

For the last two decades, the physical activity of the Poles has increased dynamically. Nevertheless, there has been a decline in the number of Polish athletes running marathons compared with an increase in participation in a variety of competitions not directly associated with running. The purpose of this study was to investigate participation and performance trends in Nordic walking marathons in Poland between 2014 and 2019. A total of 490 Polish Nordic walking marathoners, who completed races between 2014 and 2019 were included. Participation and performance were analysed with an emphasis on the demographics of the age and gender of the athletes. The results suggest that overall male participation in Nordic walking marathons was high, yet the number of female finishers increased over the period of the study. Though men also had significantly better finishing times over the same period. In terms of age, middle-aged competitors were the biggest and the fastest age-group between 2014 and 2019.The strength of this study lies in its novelty. It is the first research project to directly examine the participation and performance of Nordic walking marathoners between 2014 and 2019 in terms of gender and age.

Emotional states of athletes in the first lockdown due to Covid-19: A comparison of Polish and Spanish samples

Introduction: The situation of the coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of many athletes from different disciplines. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of Covid-19 first lockdown on emotional states and motivation of athletes from Spain and Poland. Material and methods: Polish male (N=24) and female (N=94) and Spanish male (N=81) female (N=95) athletes were investigated. The respondents did online ad hoc questionnaires, namely Emotional and Adaptative reactions during confinement (COVID-19-RECOVID-19), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) Results: Significant differences were observed in training conditions by country, with the Polish sample having higher scores than Spaniards. Stressing thoughts characterized Polish female athletes significantly more than others; Spanish athletes, both females and males were characterized by the highest agreement to confinement rules. Females, relative to males, had a higher level of fatigue. Moreover, significant differences by country appeared in anger, vigor, friendship, tension, and depressed feelings. Polish female athletes were characterized by the highest scores apart from friendship, which was similarly high among Polish athletes. Conclusions: Monitoring the mental conditions of sports professionals and designing psychological interventions that would match athletes’ personal needs seems crucial to similar, tremendously complex, and socially isolating situations, such as lockdown due to Covid-19.

The Mood of Elite Polish Athletes and P.E. Students During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of the study was to compare mood during the fi rst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in athletes - potential Olympians (n = 57, including 28 men and 29 women) involved in Olympic preparations and extramural physical education students (n = 54, including 28 men and 26 women). The age of the subjects was between 18 and 45 years. The additional objective was to determine diff erentiation according to gender. The Polish version of the Profi le of Mood States by McNair, Lorr &amp; Droppleman was used in the form of an on-line survey. There were no signifi cant differences between the men and women (main gender eff ect). The athletes demonstrated lower levels of anger and confusion than the students (main group eff ect). In the case of tension, a signifi cant interaction was found between the group and gender: among athletes, a lower level of tension was found in men, and among students - in women.

Personality profile of individual sports champions.

BackgroundResearch on personality in sport is popular because it allows you to forecast the greediness of actions in sports competition situations. The purpose of this paper is to determine which personality traits characterize individual sports champions.Materials and MethodsThe subjects of the research were Polish athletes (N = 600) between 20 and 29 years of age from 20 individual sports disciplines (each n = 30). Then, a sample of champions (n = 56) and other individual disciplines athletes (n = 544) was selected from the study population. The Big Five model was used to examine their personality (NEO‐FFI).ResultsIndividual sports champions were characterized by a lower level of neuroticism, a higher level of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness in relation to other athletes.ConclusionEach sports discipline is characterized by slightly different psychological requirements for athletes. The undertaken sports activity shapes the personality, and the shaped personality traits have an impact on taking solutions in the starting situation. The level of intensity of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness may determine the result in competition in individual sports.

Muscle Force Patterns in Lower Extremity Muscles for Elite Discus Throwers, Javelin Throwers and Shot-Putters - A Case Study.

Optimal release variables, as well as the kinematics and kinetics of athletes, are crucial for the maximization of throwing distance in athletics. Mathematical models and simulations allow throwing techniques to be studied. However, muscle force patterns and the contribution of specific muscle groups in athletics throwing events are not well understood and require detailed research. In this study, important variables of the muscle force generated during the javelin, discus and shot put events were determined using OpenSim software. Musculoskeletal simulations were carried out based on kinematic and kinetic data collected using the Vicon system and Kistler plates with the help of nine top Polish athletes (three in each event). OpenSim software was used to calculate muscle forces and joint velocities. For each discipline, it was found that the main muscle groups involved in the throwing movement were better at distinguishing throwers than joint velocities. The contribution of right ankle plantar flexors at the beginning of the final acceleration phase as well as left hip extensors at the end of the final acceleration phase was given special attention. This work provides a better understanding of the techniques used in athletics throws. Musculoskeletal simulations of throwing styles might help coaches analyze the techniques of individual athletes, resulting in better adjustment of training programmes and injury prevention protocols.

Stress and coping among Polish and Slovak athletes during the second stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract. The aim of this study was to estimate variability in experienced stress, the use of personal resources (resilience) in coping with stress and the Big Five personality traits among Polish and Slovak athletes. The study used the Perception of Stress Questionnaire to measure the following dimensions: emotional tension, external stress and intrapsychic stress. The Resilience Scale was also used, comprising five subscales: perseverance and determination, openness to new experiences and sense of humour, competences and tolerance of negative emotions, tolerance of failure and treating life as a challenge, optimism and the ability to mobilise in difficult situations. The IPIP-BFM was used to measure the following personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and intellect. Polish (n = 66) and Slovak (n = 99) athletes participated in the study during the so-called second stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 1 to February 12, 2021. Results: a) stress levels among Polish and Slovak athletes depend on their personal resources, which include resilience and the Big Five personality traits, b) Slovak athletes are characterised by greater perseverance, openness to experience and sense of humour, tolerance of negative emotions, treating life as a challenge, optimism and the ability to mobilise in difficult situations, c) higher resilience among Slovak athletes is a probable cause of the lack of difference in stress levels among Polish and Slovak athletes, d) female athletes from Poland and Slovakia reported higher emotional tension, external stress and intrapsychic stress during the second stage of the pandemic than did male athletes.