Determining International Parasport Success Factors for UK Para-Athletics

Abstract

Parasport is attracting increased attention, with many nations adopting a systematic approach to the pursuit of international sporting success. The acceptance of an approach developed in a non-disabled context assumes that the determinants of success are concomitant for parasport and non-disabled sport alike. Policy development in this area is currently underdeveloped and a significant knowledge gap is evident. This knowledge gap provides the rationale for this study based on three principal factors: A lack of studies examining international parasport success factors; a lack of studies examining international sporting success factors in sport-specific contexts and; an absence of studies that address both dimensions. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by determining international parasport success factors for UK para-athletics. The study undertakes a critical realist approach, using a mixed methods research design. A four-phase sequential design was adopted which included both quantitative surveys completed by paraathletes and their coaches and qualitative semi-structured interviews, with athletes, coaches and UK Athletics staff. The results of this study suggest that the determinants of success identified for para-athletics include the factors identified in previous non-disabled studies but that there are additional variable factors for consideration. The relevant variable factors identified by this study are grouped as the nature of impairment (acquired or congenital); the level of support and care needs; and the level of equipment needs. This study provides a model illustrating the influences of these variables on the determinants of success, which may be of value for the development of para-athletics policies and the design of parasport support structures in the future. Consideration of the DIPAS model can enable improved structures and enhanced support of para-athletes, consequently improving success rates and ensuring appropriate spend of public money. It is recommended that the research approach is repeated in nations that perform comparably in para-athletics. Further research within athletics is advised to explore variance across event disciplines and ensure appropriate allocation of resources. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Over the last four years, I have been privileged to work with a wide range of individuals, all of whom have contributed to the successful completion of this thesis. My research would have been impossible without the aid of UK Athletics, specifically, Paula Dunn for allowing me to access staff, athletes and coaches. I would like to thank the athletes and coaches for sharing their experiences with me. Heartfelt thanks to Claire Williams for our conversations, her honest sharing of experiences planted the initial seed of enquiry for the research area. I am profoundly grateful to my Director of Studies, Dr Larissa Davies for her support, patience and advice. I appreciate her guidance and direction. I would also like to thank Stuart Allan for his invaluable help. Above all, I would lik...