Supports for young males' and females’ interest in swimming and competition

Background

Little is known about the range of resources that together enable youth to make connections to and continue to develop their interest in new content such as swimming and/or competition over time, its relation to their learning to compete constructively, and whether needed support is specific to individuals, or to groups, for example, by gender.

Sample

A cohort of 22 (8 males, 14 females) Division III collegiate swimmers was studied.

Methods

Retrospective interviews and a short online survey were used to explore variables that might be examined in further study: (a) the onset and continuation of swimmers’ interests in swimming and developing capacities to compete, (b) support received, and (c) fluctuation(s) in interest (e.g., burnout).

Results

Qualitative analyses were employed. Four distinct groups of youth were identified among participants, pointing to four pathways for interest development that were distinguished by gender, as well as participants’ level of interest in competition. The types of support that were needed by each of the groups varied, as did the focus of their interactions, and the resources on which they drew to engage competition and manage burnout.

Conclusions

Initially youth developed an interest in swimming. As participants began to focus on their skill development in relation to the team, their interest in competition developed. Effective supports for each swimmer were aligned with one of four interest pathways distinguished by gender and the focus of their interest in swimming and competition. As their interest developed, participants assumed responsibility for managing their engagement.