This study aimed to understand the contributing factors that resulted in competitive swimming dropout, in the 14-16-year-old female population. This study also aimed to suggest interventions that will prevent the future reoccurrence of this problem. Participants (n=6) took part in a singular semi-structured interview consisting of question related to the aims described. After data collection, an inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the revised transcripts, where common emerging themes, and sub-themes, were derived. The most prevalent themes highlighted were a lack of support from significant others, and disinterest in the commitment of training and competing, which in turn led to their subsequent dropout. Additionally, regularly missing out on social occasions, plateauing in competitions, and pressures from exams resulted in frustration and demotivation towards swimming. The resultant dropout caused regret, developed self-confidence issues, body insecurities, and laziness as opposed to the sense of competency and drive participants once described. Interventions to prevent dropout were continually developing coach—athlete relations, educating parents of their potential positive influences, and encouraging social opportunities for swimming peers. Findings provide an answer for the reasons adolescent females dropout of swimming, as well as tailored interventions for this particular population of concern. Potential implications however do not allow the results to be generalised in other dropout circumstances, because the specificity of data collection is purely swimming related. Therefore, the study calls for more research into the relationship between different female demographics and swimming dropout, or sport dropout as a whole.
Interview transcripts have been removed to comply with GDPR policy.
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