On elite and super-elite Great British athletes: Some theoretical implications from Hardy et al.’s (2017) findings

Citation

Howle TC & Eklund R (2017) On elite and super-elite Great British athletes: Some theoretical implications from Hardy et al.’s (2017) findings. In: Walsh V, Wilson M & Parkin B (eds.) Sport and the Brain: The Science of Preparing, Enduring and Winning, Part A. Progress in Brain Research, 232. London: Elsevier, pp. 121-125. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00796123/232/supp/C; https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.02.001

Abstract
We present commentary focused on the theoretical implications ofHardy et al.’s (2017)study of elite (E) and super-elite (SE) UK athletes. Athlete developmental experiences are first discussed, and we consider how Hardy et al.’s findings fit with extant and emerging theory regarding motivation and experiences of adversity. We then focus on athlete characteristics and propose a complementary theory-based interpretation of Hardy et al.’s findings based on the idea that SE athletes may be more focused on agency than E athletes. We consider this proposition in light of theory and empirical research addressing the agency and communion theoretical distinction.