International sporting success factors in GB para-track and field

Research Question: Elite sport structures that support para-athletes are designed on the assumption that the international sporting success factors are concomitant for parasport and non-disabled sport. However, there is a lack of research on elite parasport policy and the nuances which may exist for specific sports. This study investigates the international success factors for GB para-track and field. Research Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, including quantitative surveys completed by elite GB para-athletes (n = 42) and their coaches (n = 38) and qualitative semi-structured interviews with athletes (n = 7), coaches (n = 5) and UK para-athletics support staff (n = 3). Findings: The study revealed that although factors found in previous non-disabled studies were identified, several para-track and field-specific variables that influence these existing factors were also discovered. These were the nature of impairment (acquired or congenital); level of support and care needs; and level of equipment needs. Implications: The study presents a framework summarising the variables influencing international para-track and field success. This can be used to inform the development of GB para-track and field policy and the design of parasport support structures to optimise success. Research contribution: The paper contributes to growing knowledge on achieving sporting success in parasport and the differences with non-disabled sport.