An In-depth Study of Former Elite Figure Skaters: I. Introduction to the Project

TLDR

The manuscript introduces a project investigating how elite figure skaters experience sport enjoyment and stress, and how significant others influence these experiences, with the aim of providing coherence for a series of related articles. The study employed in‑depth qualitative interviews (average 2½ hours, over 1,000 pages) with 26 former national‑level figure skaters, supplemented by quantitative assessments, to establish a methodological framework and gather descriptive data on their commitment development. Findings show a progression from casual involvement to intense dedication, mirroring patterns observed in other talent domains.

Abstract

This article introduces a project focused on the sources of sport enjoyment and stress, and the role that significant others have in these experiences. These issues were studied in depth using primarily qualitative interview techniques that were then complemented by quantitative assessments. Study participants were 26 former elite figure skaters who had competed at the national level and were currently coaching. The interviews lasted an average of 2 1/2 hours and yielded over 1,000 transcribed pages. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an underlying coherency to a series of articles through which this wealth of information will be presented. Information common to all articles and the methodological framework to the entire project are discussed. Details about the talented individuals studied, including descriptive data regarding their development of commitment to their sport, are presented. Consistent with research concerning other talent domains (Bloom, 1985), the findings show a progression from initial casual involvement to intense dedication.