”Så länge jag hade godkända betyg kunde jag träna och tävla” : En kvalitativ studie om möjligheten att kombinera elitidrott med studier och samtidigt ha ett socialt liv

Sammanfattning: Aim and questions The purpose of the essay is to examine the possibility of combining elite sports with studies and maintaining a social life for those specializing in football and tennis at Swedish upper secondary sport schools. ·      How did students at sport upper secondary schools perceive their ability to wholeheartedly pursue excellence in their sport? ·      How did students at sport upper secondary schools perceive their opportunities to achieve optimal grades? ·      How did students at sport upper secondary schools experience the possibility of maintaining a social life in combination with their commitment to elite sports and studies? Theory and method The study is based on a holistic theory and an athletic career development model that considers several aspects to safeguard the well-being of individuals. These aspects include athletic, academic, and psychosocial dimensions. The approach is qualitative, and the data collection method involves semi-structured interviews. The data has been thematically analyzed. There are six (6) participants in total, all of whom have attended Swedish sport upper secondary schools specializing in either football or tennis. Results Participants perceived their time in upper secondary school as peaceful. However, none of the respondents felt they had the opportunity to become professional athletes shortly after graduation, achieve optimal grades, and maintain a well-functioning social life, simultaneously. When participants were students and felt unable to successfully combine these three aspects, they prioritized sports, leading to a downgrading of grades and social life. Conclusion The study concluded that, at sport upper secondary schools it is not possible to become a professional athlete in soccer/tennis, achieve optimal grades and maintain a successful social life simultaneously.