Motivational aspects in junior competitive swimmers as a function of relative age

Abstract

It is widely known that motivation plays a critical role in getting athletes to achieve their full potential. However, little is known with regards to motivation as a function of relative age in junior competitive swimmers. The aim of the present research was to investigate associations between motivation, perceived motivational climate, and relative age among junior competitive swimmers (N = 235; 117 females; Mean age = 11.44, SD = 0.57 years). Although we expected relatively younger athletes to present lower motivation than their older peers, findings showed that swimmers in our study had similar motivation orientation, irrespective of their birth period (i.e., first, second, third, fourth quarter). Findings suggest professionals should aim to build intrinsic motivation regardless of birth period, as the shaping of a stabilized intrinsic motivation at junior age can increase the chances of success for the most talented swimmers.