(NON)PERFORMANCE OF SAILOR IN THE OLYMPIC CYCLE

Abstract

During each Olympic cycle of a sailor, there are changes in the commitment and performance of young people. The objective of this study was to verify which variables influenced the (dis)performance of a young sailor from a Social Project in the Olympic cycle. The methodology was a longitudinal, qualitative-quantitative (or integrated mixed) case study, carried out with analyses from 2021-2024, with a sailing athlete, a teenager from the Grael Project in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Grael Project athlete who participated in Optimist class competitions and who could be accompanied by an Olympic cycle was considered eligible. The results showed that there are at least 18 characteristics that can influence the (dis)performance of a sailor; during the years of investigation, the sailor showed commitment by being assiduously punctual, making an effort, and being dedicated during training and competitions. The sailor's performance was considered excellent in the monitored cycle and exceeded the goals set, as he managed to become Brazilian champion in the rookie Optimist class in 2023, qualify to represent Brazil in the South American and North American championships in 2024 and closed the 1st cycle with 24 podiums in the Optimist class and 33 in the Dingue class. It was also noted that sailing is perceived by the athlete as an opportunity to get to know other cities and countries that foster the culture of sports sailing. It was found that the sailing athlete investigated may give up or abandon high-performance sport due to: 1) lack of motivation, 2) lack of encouragement, 3) changing schools, 4) entering university, 5) external pressure for immediate results, 6) having already experienced “early” high-level competitions, 7) lack of social support from parents or 8) lack of financial resources. The number of days and hours per year that the athlete surveyed spent sailing were respectively 25% of the days and 364 hours in 2022, 58% of the days and 796 hours in 2023 and 54% of the days and 788 hours in 2024. It can be concluded that several variables are capable of influencing the athlete's (dis)performance and require specific attention from sailors. A plural look at the factors that may be influencing the sailor's performance and commitment can help to understand their current moment so that rapid intervention can be made and so that the pleasure of sailing continues to be the driving force behind good winds.