Examination of the Reasons for Initiation into the Sport of Swimming by Swimmers and Their Expectations from the Sport

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons for initiation into swimming and the expectations associated with this sport among competitive swimmers in sports clubs located in Kayseri. A total of 105 licensed swimmers, aged 12 to 16, consisting of both female and male participants, volunteered to take part in the research from three clubs in Kayseri. The study employed a "Personal Information Form" developed by the researcher and the "Reasons and Expectations for Choosing the Swimming Branch" questionnaire developed by Sunay and Saracaloğlu (1997). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using the SPSS 21 software package, and the percentage frequency distributions of the questionnaire items were examined. Among the participants of the study, it was determined that 43.8% were female and 56.2% were male swimmers. The majority of the participants (73.8%) indicated that factors external to themselves (such as family, coach, teacher, friends, and others) played a significant role in their decision to start swimming. The findings of the study revealed that the desire to become a national team athlete and familial influence stood out as prominent factors in the decision to start swimming. Reasons for engaging in competitive swimming at a professional level were found to include factors such as enjoying swimming, maintaining health, and achieving success. The expectations of the participants from swimming were oriented towards becoming a national team athlete, improving physical appearance, gaining popularity, focusing on career advancement, and overall personal satisfaction and achievement. Regardless of age and gender, it was concluded that family, especially parents and siblings, significantly influenced children's decision to start swimming. The impact of engaging in competitive swimming on increasing income was found to be limited for most athletes. The study also revealed that becoming a recognized athlete was of importance, as it contributed to a distinct social status and, most importantly, personal happiness.