Objectives: Understanding how and why athletes become elite is of importance to sports organizations and applied researchers and practitioners (e.g., Collins & MacNamara, 2017; Rees et al., 2016). The purpose of this research was to explore psychosocial factors that may be important in the development pathways of elite triathletes.
Study design: This poster summarises two studies: a retrospective biographical history interview study and, building on findings from study one, a prospective longitudinal study.
Methods: In study one, we conducted biographical history interviews with six elite UK triathletes, their parent(s), and a nominated coach, to establish key psychosocial variables that had influenced their development. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; In
study two, we adopted a prospective longitudinal design to monitor psychosocial variables within a cohort of developing UK triathletes between February 2019 and December 2021. We used pattern recognition analysis to establish which variables were most likely to distinguish between high performing and lower performing triathletes.
Findings: We identified several psychosocial factors – relating to training and practice, the individual and their environment – contributing to the talent development process in triathlon. Key themes related to elite triathletes’ developmental experiences, personal factors, performance mindset and the elite training environment.
Conclusions: The findings from both studies add to current perspectives on talent development within the context of triathlon. The findings will help British Triathlon provide targeted support for triathletes, coaches and parents within the performance pathway, and could contribute to the development of the next generation of elite UK triathletes.