Just keep swimming? Understanding the challenges and motivators for club level swimmers

The survey (n=355) explores the experiences of both performance and club level swimmers participating in the same environments, i.e. their club. The data collected during the survey was analysed using SPSS. The survey findings were used to inform semi-structured individual interviews with a sample of club level swimmers (n=14) who had continued in their sport without achieving a regional or national qualification standard.

The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. <br><br> The findings of the study offer a unique but important insight into the reasons club level swimmers continue in their sport. Club level swimmers exhibit coping mechanisms centred in self-determination and self-motivation where their identity as an athlete, i.e. a competitive swimmer, was central. The importance of athletic identity, previously acknowledged anecdotally, is now evidenced for club level swimmers and can be recognised by policy makers and all sports organisations to effectively support athletes across this level.