Challenges That Hamper the Sustainability of Elite Long Distance Runners Athletic Performance Case From three Selected Athletics Clubs in Addis Ababa
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Date
2016-07
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to assess and reflect the current challenges which contribute to
the sustainability of Ethiopian elite long distance runners’ athletic performance. This study was
used a cross-sectional descriptive study method which incorporated both quantitative and
qualitative components in order to investigate the variables deeply. Three athletics clubs were
selected purposely from the six first division athletics clubs of Addis Ababa for this study. Fifty
two subjects were randomly selected out of a total population of one hundred fifty four
individuals of the three athletics clubs. Questionnaire, interview and document analysis were
used to collect data. The data that the researcher gathered was analyzed and presented through
percentage, tabulation and appropriate interpretation. Talented long distance runners of these
three athletics clubs were faced with the tough choice of whether to put primary focus on lower
income track and field success or higher income road and marathon circuit success. However,
this leads to a variety of physiological, psychological, social and economic crises. The findings
reveal ways in which awareness of the risks of over training, overuse injuries, psychological
factors and aging may impact performance of elite long distance runners.
Key words: elite athlete, aging, over training, overuse injuries, psychological
considerations
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Keywords
Elite Athlete; Aging; Over Training; Overuse Injuries; Psychological Considerations