“It’s This Thing of Being an Olympian That You Don’t Get From Anything Else”: Changing Experiences of Canadian Individual-Sport Athletes With Olympic Team Selection

Click name to view affiliation

Carolyn E. McEwen University of British Columbia

Search for other papers by Carolyn E. McEwen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Laura Hurd Clarke University of British Columbia

Search for other papers by Laura Hurd Clarke in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Erica V. Bennett University of British Columbia

Search for other papers by Erica V. Bennett in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Kimberley A. Dawson Wilfrid Laurier University

Search for other papers by Kimberley A. Dawson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
, and
Peter R.E. Crocker University of British Columbia

Search for other papers by Peter R.E. Crocker in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2016-0152
In Print:
Volume 32: Issue 2
Page Range:
81–92
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to examine elite Canadian individual-sport athletes’ experiences with an Olympic team-selection process. Six nonselected Canadian individual-sport athletes who were attempting to qualify for the Olympics took part in 3 semistructured interviews during the Olympic team-selection process, after they gained knowledge of their selection status, and after the Olympic Games. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three major themes emerged from the interpretation of the athletes’ experiences: (a) pursuing and expressing the Olympic athlete identity; (b) navigating the Olympic team-selection process: expectations, barriers, and tensions; and (c) moving on: reactions, life-goal reinvestment, and athletic-goal adjustment. Participants’ experiences were shaped by personal motivation and social expectations, with changes shifting across the 3 interview periods. Athletes attempted to manage the discontent of nonselection through processes of positive reappraisal, athletic-goal adjustment, and accentuating other life goals and identities.

McEwen, Hurd Clarke, Bennett, and Crocker are with the School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Dawson is with the Dept. of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.

Crocker (peter.crocker@ubc.ca) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand
Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • Aldwin, C.M. (2007). Stress, coping, and development: An integrative perspective (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guildford Press.

  • Alfermann, D., & Stambulova, N. (2007). Career transitions and career termination. In G. Tenenbaum & R.C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (pp. 712–733). New York, NY: Wiley.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Allen-Collinson, J. (2009). Sporting embodiment: Sport studies and the (continuing) promise of phenomenology. Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise, 1 ,279–296. doi:10.1080/19398440903192340

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Arnold, R., & Fletcher, D. (2012). A research synthesis and taxonomic classification of the organizational stressors encountered by sport performers. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 34 ,397–429. PubMed doi:10.1123/jsep.34.3.397

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Arnold, R., Fletcher, D., & Daniels, K. (2016). Demographic differences in sport performers’ experiences of organizational stressors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(3), 348–358. doi:10.1111/sms.12439

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brewer, B.W., Selby, C.L., Linder, D.E., & Petitpas, A.J. (1999). Distancing oneself from a poor season: Divestment of athletic identity. Journal of Personal and Interpersonal Loss: International Perspectives on Stress & Coping, 4 ,149–162. doi:10.1080/10811449908409723

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brocki, J.J.M., & Wearden, A.J. (2006). A critical evaluation of the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) in health psychology. Psychology and Health, 21(1), 87–108.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bryman, A. (2004). Interviewing in qualitative research. In R. Bryman (Ed.), Social research methods (2nd ed., pp. 318–344). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Canadian Olympic Committee. (2016). Game plan/Plan de match. Retrieved from http://www.mygameplan.ca

  • Carless, D., & Douglas, K. (2012). Stories of success: Cultural narratives and personal stories of elite and professional athletes. Reflective Practice, 13 ,387–398. doi:10.1080/14623943.2012.657793

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Carless, D., & Douglas, K. (2013). Living, resisting, and playing the part of athlete: Narrative tensions in elite sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14 ,701–708. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.05.003

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chun, C.A., Moos, R.H., & Cronkite, R.C. (2006). Culture: A fundamental context for the stress and coping paradigm. In P.T.P. Wong & L.C.J. Wong (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural perspectives on stress and coping (pp. 29–53). Dallas, TX: Springer. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/0-387-26238-5

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Crocker, P.R.E., Tamminen, K.A., & Gaudreau, P. (2015). Coping in sport. In S. Mellalieu & S. Hanton (Eds.), Contemporary advances in sport psychology (pp. 28–67). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Debois, N., Ledon, A., Argiolas, C., & Rosnet, E. (2012). A lifespan perspective on transitions during a top sports career: A case of an elite female fencer. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13 ,660–668. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.010

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Debois, N., Ledon, A., & Wylleman, P. (2015). A lifespan perspective on the dual career of elite male athletes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 21 ,15–26. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.07.011

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Douglas, K., & Carless, D. (2011). A narrative perspective: Identity, well-being, and trauma in professional sport. In D. Gilbourne & M. Andersen (Eds.), Critical essays in applied sort psychology (pp. 3–22). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Etherington, K. (2004). Becoming a reflexive researcher: Using ourselves in research. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley.

  • Fletcher, D., Hanton, S., & Mellalieu, S.D. (2006). An organizational stress review: Conceptual and theoretical issues in competitive sport. In S. Hanton & S.D. Mellalieu (Eds.), Literature reviews in sport psychology (pp. 321–373). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fletcher, D., Hanton, S., & Wagstaff, C.R.D. (2012). Performers’ responses to stressors encountered in sport organisations. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30 ,349–358. PubMed doi:10.1080/02640414.2011.633545

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gould, D., & Maynard, I. (2009). Psychological preparation for the Olympic Games. Journal of Sport Sciences, 27 ,1393–1408. doi:10.1080/02640410903081845

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Greenleaf, C., Gould, D., & Dieffenbach, K. (2001). Factors influencing Olympic performance: Interviews with Atlanta and Nagano US Olympians. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 13 ,154–184. doi:10.1080/104132001753149874

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Grove, R.J., Fish, M., & Eklund, R.C. (2004). Changes in athletic identity following team selection: Self-protection versus self-enhancement. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 16 ,75–81. doi:10.1080/10413200490260062

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hanton, S., Fletcher, D., & Coughlan, G. (2005). Stress in elite sport performers: A comparative study of competitive and organizational stressors. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23 ,1129–1141. PubMed doi:10.1080/02640410500131480

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hanton, S., Wagstaff, C.R.D., & Fletcher, D. (2012). Cognitive appraisals of stressors encountered in sport organizations. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10 ,276–289. doi:10.1080/1612197X.2012.682376

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Keats, D.M. (2000). Interviewing: A practical guide for students and professionals. Buckingham, UK: Open University Press.

  • Larkin, M., Watts, S., & Clifton, E. (2006). Giving voice and making sense in interpretative phenomenological analysis. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3 ,102–120. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp062oa

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lazarus, R.S. (1999). Stress and emotion: A new synthesis. New York , NY: Springer.

  • Lazarus, R.S. (2000). Cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion. In Y.L. Hanin (Ed.), Emotions in sport (pp. 39–63). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mellalieu, S.D., Neil, R., Hanton, S., & Fletcher, D. (2009). Competition stress in sport performers: Stressors experienced in the competition environment. Journal of Sports Science, 27 ,729–744. doi:10.1080/02640410902889834

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Munroe, K.J., Albinson, J.G., & Hall, C.R. (1999). The effects of non-selection on first year female varsity athletes. Avante, 5 ,68–81.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reid, K., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2005). Exploring lived experience: An introduction to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The Psychologist, 18 ,20–23.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ryan, C. (2015). Factors impacting carded athlete’s readiness for dual careers. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 21 ,91–97. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.04.008

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ryba, T.V., & Wright, H.K. (2005). From the mental game to cultural praxis: A cultural studies model’s implications for the future of sport psychology. Quest, 57 ,192–212. doi:10.1080/00336297.2005.10491853

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Samuel, R.D., & Tenenbaum, G. (2011). The role of change in athletes’ careers: A scheme of change for sport psychology practice. The Sport Psychologist, 25 ,233–252. doi:10.1123/tsp.25.2.233

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schinke, R.J., McGannon, K.R., Parham, W.D., & Lane, A.M. (2012). Toward cultural praxis and cultural sensitivity: Strategies for self-reflexive sport psychology practice. Quest, 64 ,34–46. doi:10.1080/00336297.2012.653264

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schinke, R.J., Stambulova, N.B., Trepanier, D., & Oghene, O. (2015). Psychological support for the Canadian Olympic boxing team in meta-transitions through the National Team Program. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13 ,74–89. doi:10.1080/1612197X.2014.959982

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schinke, R.J., Tenenbaum, G., Lidor, R., & Battochio, R.C. (2010). Adaptation in action: The transition from research to intervention. The Sport Psychologist, 24 ,542–557. doi:10.1123/tsp.24.4.542

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, J.A. (2017). Interpretative phenomenological analysis in sport and exercise: Getting at experience. In B. Smith & A. Sparkes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of qualitative research in sport and exercise. New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, J.A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, J.A., & Osborn, M. (2003). Interpretative phenomenological analysis. In J.A. Smith (Ed.), Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods (pp. 51–80). London, UK: Sage.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sparkes, A.C., & Smith, B. (2014). Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: From process to product. New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stambulova, N., Stambulov, A., & Johnson, U. (2012). ‘Believe in yourself, channel energy, and play your trumps’: Olympic preparation in complex coordination sports. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13 ,679–686. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.009

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tamminen, K.A., Crocker, P.R.E., & McEwen, C.E. (2014). Emotional experiences and coping in sport: How to promote positive adaptational outcomes in sport. In A.R. Gomes, R. Resende, & A. Albuquerque (Eds.), Positive human functioning from a multidimensional perspective (pp. 143–162). New York, NY: Sage.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Woodman, T., & Hardy, L. (2001). A case study of organizational stress in elite sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 13 ,207–238. doi:10.1080/104132001753149892

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wrosch, C., Scheier, M.F., & Miller, G.E. (2013). Goal adjustment capacities, subjective well-being, and physical health. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7 ,847–860. PubMed doi:10.1111/spc3.12074

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wylleman, P., & Lavallee, D. (2004). A developmental perspective on transitions faced by athletes. In M. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport psychology (pp. 503–524). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wylleman, P., Reints, A., & Van Aken, S. (2012). Athletes’ perceptions of multilevel changes related to competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13 ,687–692. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.005

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 2878 538 29
Full Text Views 239 80 3
PDF Downloads 123 30 3