title: A survey of U.S. Atlanta and Nagano Olympians: variables perceived to influence performance.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and magnitude of specific variables perceived to have affected U.S. Olympic athlete performance. Participants included 296 Atlanta Olympians and 83 Nagano Olympians. Olympians rated how they perceived specific variables influenced their Olympic performance. Results revealed that numerous variables, including performance influences, such as preparation for distractions and loss of composure; team variables, such as strong cohesion and positive coach-athlete relationships; coaching variables, including coach's ability to deal with crises and coaching expectations; family-friend variables, including general social support and getting event tickets for family and friends; and environmental concerns, such as venue transportation difficulties and Olympic village distractions; were perceived to influence performance. Findings verified the results of qualitative interviews conducted with Olympic athletes and coaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 27402-6169, USA. drgould@uncg.edu
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Christy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Greenleaf
authors.forename: Yongchul
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guinan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004777:Environment; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D013177:Sports; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis