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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5598-6681
Date of Graduation
5-11-2023
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management
Second Advisor
David Shonk
Third Advisor
Emeka Anaza
Fourth Advisor
Joshua Pate
Abstract
In the 61-year history of the Paralympic Games, the Games have never been canceled for any public health reasons. In order to participate in the Paralympic Games, the preparation process for professional athletes is planned at least four years in advance. Interruptions to this schedule can present significant challenges for elite athletes. Such was the case in 2020 with widespread cancellations of many athletic events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of in-home isolation can potentially cause athletes to experience different psychological conditions, including depression and anxiety as well as losing motivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the motivation of elite para-athletes who were preparing to participate in the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 13 professional para-athletes with physical disabilities from the United States and Russia (8 females and 5 males). The following themes were identified: 1) the number of Paralympic competitions; 2) establishing new routines; 3) mentor support; and 4) motivational sources. These constructed themes explained how COVID-19 impacted motivation of professional athletes during one of the most unique periods of human history, with government restrictions and global lockdown.
