Speaker
Description
During the past two years the COVID-19 measures have had a major impact on the circumstances under which talented athletes could train and compete. This research focuses on the experiences of Dutch talented athletes during the COVID-19 crisis.
This study has a mixed-methods design. Athletes who have been designated as ‘talented’ by the Dutch Sports Association (NOC*NSF), were surveyed mid-2021. In this online questionnaire, athletes were asked about if and how COVID-19 has impacted their career. To understand the extent to which the athlete's environment plays a role in the experienced effect as a result of the COVID-19 measures, additional semi-structured interviews with talented athletes are currently held.
Results of the quantitative data (n=1320) show that 29% have experienced only a (very) negative effect of the COVID-19 measures on the development of their sporting careers. About half of the athletes have experienced both positive and negative effects. Negative effects were most often caused by the lack of competition, which often resulted in a lack of motivation. Examples of positive effects are more time for rest, school or study. The negative effects were more frequently present in athletes who practice indoors compared to outdoors. Results of the qualitative data will be presented at the EASS/ISSA congress.
Despite almost one in three athletes experienced only negative effects, there are also talents who have experienced positive effects. It is unclear what the long-term consequences are, but it is important to continue to pay attention to this group of young athletes.
