Athletes in flow: A qualitative investigation of flow states in elite figure skaters

TLDR

Elite athletes’ experiences can deepen understanding of flow states in sport. The study qualitatively investigates flow experiences of elite figure skaters to better understand flow in sport. Sixteen former US National Champions were interviewed about optimal skating experiences and factors linked to flow states. Skaters identified positive mental attitude, focus, physical readiness, and partner unity as key to flow, while physical errors, loss of focus, negative mindset, and poor audience response disrupted flow, and they described flow as resembling Csikszentmibalyi’s Row‑like states.

Abstract

Abstract A qualitative investigation into the flow experiences of elite figure skaters was conducted in order to gain greater insight into the nature of flow in sport. Sixteen former US National Champion Figure Skaters, who held their titles between 1985–1990, were interviewed on an optimal skating experience, and then questioned extensively about factors associated with achieving optimal, or flow states, during performance. Factors perceived as most important for getting into flow included a positive mental attitude, positive pre-competitive and competitive affect, maintaining appropriate focus, physical readiness, and for some pairsldance skaters, unity with partner. Those factors which were perceived to prevent or disrupt flow included physical problems/mistakes, an inability to maintain focus, a negative mental attitude, and lack of audience response. The skaters placed very high value on Row-like states, and their descriptions of what was occurring during optimal skating experiences paralleled many of the characteristics of flow described by Csikszentmibalyi (1975, 1990). Drawing on the experience of elite athletes may enhance understanding of flow states as they occur in sport.