The Role of Sport-Life Balance and Well-Being on Athletic Performance

Abstract

The present study explores the role of sport-life balance and well-being on athletic performance. Canadian athletes who competed at the 2019 Pan American and Para Pan American Games in Lima, Peru were invited to participate in the survey via email. A mixed-methods design was utilized, consisting of an online survey and semi-structured, follow-up interviews. The sample consisted of 72 athletes, spanning eighteen different sports. Our findings demonstrate that while many Olympic and Paralympic athletes are successful in maintaining a strong support network, significant concerns arose regarding meagre finances, a lack of free time, and minimal support both within and outside of sport. Perspectives on the benefits of sport-life balance on performance were mixed, with the majority of athletes revealing that they were unsure of the benefits, did not experience benefits, or experienced negative effects. Feelings of dissatisfaction with performance, experiences of being overwhelmed in managing an athletic career, and tensions in developing a self outside of sport were prevalent among the athletes.