Background/Purpose Utilizing constructivist grounded theory, this study identified the critical competitive routine components for elite female swimmers. Specifically, the purpose was to identify the actions and foci of female Olympic medalist swimmers during a competition day that they believe was critical to their success. A secondary purpose described the meaning these athletes gave to these competition day components. The study provides a unique view into the routines of elite athletes and adds to our understanding of how elite athletes understand competitions.
Method Five female Olympic medalist swimmers participated in a three-stage data collection process: a) an initial interview, b) an observation during an elite competition, and c) a follow-up interview. The initial and follow-up interviews were semi-structured and digitally recorded. Interview transcriptions and expanded field notes were analysis for emergent themes. Field notes from observations provided confirmatory data regarding competition day activities. Method and data triangulation provided trustworthiness.
Analysis/Results Constructivist grounded theory coding and analysis strategies were used to analyze data (Charmaz, 2006). Five major themes emerged from the data: (a) confidence, (b) relaxation, (c) excitement, (d) fun, and (e) strategy. Confidence was listed as the most important component by each participant while the remaining themes were ranked differently depending on the athlete. A composite definition for each theme provided insight into the meaning and reasons for the significance of each theme.
Conclusions This study found that specific critical competitive routine components created meaningful and necessary routines that the athletes believe help them perform at the highest levels.
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