Perceived determinants of identification with the athlete role among elite competitors

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.