Contrary to the previous studies on athletic identity of domestic athletes based on AIMS(Athletic Identity Measurement Scale) which was developed for foreign athletes, the purpose of this study was to explore the construct of athletic identity in Kore...
Contrary to the previous studies on athletic identity of domestic athletes based on AIMS(Athletic Identity Measurement Scale) which was developed for foreign athletes, the purpose of this study was to explore the construct of athletic identity in Korean elite athletes, who experienced Korean sports environments.
The subjects of this study were 15 national athletes in Jincheon National Training Center, Chungbuk Province and in-depth interviews with individuals were conducted. The questionnaire consisted of 5 questions about athletic identity experience and perception, and the recorded data were analyzed using the inductive analysis method. The findings of this study were as follows.
First, the athletes had positive physical self-worth regarding physical conditions and physical capabilities and this led to physical competence. Also, the strong mental strength formed in the strict sports system while receiving the world's highest level of training, was a driving force to make them sustainable athletes.
Second, the athletes had strong feelings in pride, since they were highly recognized national athletes and perceived important social identity on the roles of socially recognized athletes.
Third, the Korean elites athletes felt a sense of isolation and insufficiency, since personal relationships and the level of knowledge were poor due to the shortage of academic experience during student days. In the internal and external atmosphere only to look for their roles as athletes, they also experienced negative emotions with concerns of injury, career after retirement and stress for competition, which are the biggest hindrances to roles as athletes.
The results of this study show domestic athletes' own complex and various athletic identities by the characteristics of Korean sports environments as well as the limited three factors of sub-constructs of AIMS developed for foreign athletes. Moreover, this study conceptualizes the construct of athletic identity appropriate for domestic circumstances by analyzing athletic identity from the perspective of domestic athletes.