Para Sport Development Experiences: Perspectives of Para Swimmers and Parents

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

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Darda Sales Western University

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Laura Misener Western University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2021-0024
Keywords:
awareness; classification; coaches; para athletes; talent development
First Published Online:
27 Aug 2021
In Print:
Volume 38: Issue 4
Page Range:
643–660
Restricted access

This study examined para swimmers’ athlete development experiences from the perspectives and reflections of athletes, and parents of athletes, with a focus on the constraints and challenges experienced. Guided by interpretive phenomenological analysis, 12 participants engaged in the interview process (seven parents and five athletes). Five themes were identified: fundamental skill development, personal connection, coaching, classification, and connecting with others “like me.” Through a discussion of the differences in development experiences between the participants in this study and the current literature on athlete development, the authors highlight areas of concern in applying a non-para-specific athlete development model to para swimmers. This study identifies several areas of consideration in the future design of a para athlete development framework or model.

The authors are with Western University, London, ON, Canada.

Sales (dgeiger@uwo.ca) is corresponding author.
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