Athletic Identity

Do you identify as an athlete or know of someone who does? If so, I would be grateful if you could help me. I’m a PhD student from Charles Darwin University researching athletic identity. I am extending the research Brewer, Van Raalte & Linder (1993) conducted on athletic identity and athletes, specifically in relation to transitional factors, such as retirement, injury, nonselection/delisting, or skill and age related changes in competition standards. My research will also include the influence of age, gender, nationality, success, significant others (to name a few IV’s) plays in the development and maintenance of athletic identity. I also hope to identify the risks (if any) an athlete will take to maintain their athletic identity, what age athletic identity develops, and what identities an athlete assumes on retirement from sport.

My research is scheduled to commence in January 2004 and will target athletes of varying ages and abilities, ranging from the weekend/recreational athlete through to the professional/elite athlete. However, I need your help! As I am based in the Northern Territory I would appreciate your help to contact recreational and professional athletes by either forwarding my research questionnaire onto athletes or by suggesting contacts that may be able to assist in this research. My email address is . Please feel free to pass this message onto to anyone who works or researches in this area, or who works with athletes.

Thank you,

Liz Grylls
Charles Darwin University
Northern Territory