Athletics: Sports initiation according to Brazilian Olympic athletes

Abstract

Sport training is a process that depends on various factors both internal and external to the individual. In this process, the way in which the sports initiation takes place is highly relevant, since an organised planning allows a higher quality training. The objective of this study is to investigate how sport initiation in athletics occurs according to the perspective of Brazilian Olympic athletes. Methodology: A qualitative research was carried out using the technique of semi-structured interviews, and the data obtained were grouped based on the precepts of the «content analysis» method. Results: As a result, it seems that school institutions are the most prevalent entities in the initiation of athletics in Brazil; followed by city halls, social projects and associations. The reasons for the pursuit of sports practice are varied, with fun being the most reported reason. Conclusions: It is possible to perceive the importance of school institutions in the initiation of sport, based on the help they offer to the sport modality of athletics.