This study analyzes how the COVID-19 lockdown affected the perception of dual careers among elite Spanish student-athletes. Comparing athletes from the pandemic year with a pre-pandemic control group, the research reveals that those affected by the lockdown reported spending more time on studies, appreciating online learning tools more, and showing greater awareness of the academic benefits of sports. Despite maintaining similar training levels, fewer athletes during COVID-19 intended to continue their sports careers post-graduation. The study underscores the value of formal dual-career support structures and suggests integrating flexible online learning methods to improve athletes’ academic success and post-sport transitions.
Language
English
References
Abenza-Cano, L., Leiva-Arcas, A., Vaquero-Cristóbal, R., García-Roca, J. A., Meroño, L., & Sánchez-Pato, A. (2020). Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on elite Spanish student-athletes’ perception of the dual career. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 620042. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.620042
