Kazakhstani elite athletes’ perspectives on the Tokyo 2020 olympic and paralympic games postponement and their preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been shown that the postponement had various negative effects on athletes in Europe and North America. Based on phenomenological and cognitive appraisal theories, the present study explores how Kazakhstani elite athletes experienced the postponement, and the effect of the pandemic on their mental health, dietary behaviour, physical activity, and preparations for the 2020 games. We conducted a qualitative study comprising individual in-depth interviews of 20 ‘qualified’ Kazakhstani elite athletes (8 females; age range: 20–35, M = 26.45, SD = 5.17 years). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: mixed initial appraisal, adjustment disorder symptoms, and resilience factors in preparation. Participants had mixed initial appraisal of the postponement with most appraising the postponement negatively. They described symptoms of adjustment disorder such as psychological distress, and poorer training and diet. Coping with stress and high motivation was important for participants during the pandemic. Most participants explained that support from coaches and other team personnel was very valuable in their preparation during the pandemic. Also, adaptation to the restrictions of the pandemic was crucial to participants in their preparation. Our study provides empirical evidence of the perspectives of Kazakhstani elite athletes regarding the 2020 games postponement and their preparation during the pandemic. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.