South African secondary school Christian athletes' experiences of athletics during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic

https://doi.org/10.36386/sajrsper.v47i1.374

South African secondary school (SASS) Christian (in this case) athletes and their coaches were faced with the postponement of athletics during the COVID-19 lockdown period; however, the athletes and their coaches were able to employ information and communication technology (ICT) and other means to continue training. In the latter part of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, and athletes could resume their training. A qualitative approach was adopted with a case study design, and a Christian lens was used to share their negative and positive experiences during the lockdown period and transition into the new normal. Focus group interviews were conducted with the participant athletes, and questionnaires were completed by each of their coaches and a sports motivator. Various coding methods were used to analyse the data. We were guided by Elliot, Drummond, Prichard, Drummond and Mason’s four themes related to sport: recognising struggle, reconnection, re-engaging after restrictions and re-imagining sport, to arrive at our three emergent themes. Recommendations are offered to sustain and promote SASS athletics and create international participation opportunities.