The study aimed to understand the impact of closures and restricted access to leisure facilities on the motivation of young adult, Regional and National Level Swimmers through research into how motivational orientations and basic psychological needs were influenced by restrictions. Participants (n=7) took part in a semi-structured interview; questions relating to the aims of the study were asked. Following transcription, an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to highlight emerging themes. The main barrier highlighted was the COVID-19 Pandemic; participants displayed amotivation to begin with, however, when a routine was put in place, autonomous behaviour and intrinsic motivation through enjoyment increased. Additionally, many participants stated increased feelings of competence and relatedness but reduced feelings of autonomy, following restrictions. Ways to prevent dropout were also alluded to, with a positive coach-athlete relationship being the main factor in retention in sport. Findings provide an initial basis into the short-term effects of long-term closures on motivation, such as from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has potential implications for the basis of sport retention strategies, and raises further questions into how participant motivation is impacted over a longer time period, following closures and restrictions.
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