Critical Pause: Athletes’ Stories of Lockdown During COVID-19

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of elite athletes during the initial stages of lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The eight recruited participants (three females, five males) were asked to tell a story of their lockdown experience. Narrative analysis was used to explore the athletes’ stories. The athletes’ narrative is best represented in four distinct sections: (a)\xa0threat to goals, (b)\xa0ongoing consequences, (c)\xa0overcoming COVID-19, and (d)\xa0adapting to COVID-19. Four narrative themes were also coconstructed from the athletes’ stories: (a)\xa0factors athletes found challenging, (b)\xa0loss, (c)\xa0strategies that benefitted athletes psychologically, and (d)\xa0silver linings. Combined, these findings suggest that the initial stages of lockdown are best described as a critical pause. The authors present applied implications for athletes and sport psychology practitioners. The authors also recommend that future research investigate the longitudinal effect of prolonged lockdown on athletes’ lives and a potential return to sport.