Vilka kompetenser kan akademiska studier bidra med till elitidrottande studenter

Sammanfattning

Within sport research, previous studies have often focused on what athletes transfer from sport to their studies, rather than the reverse, namely what academic studies may contribute to athletes’ development. This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of dual careers, where elite athletes simultaneously manage demands from both sport and higher education. The aim of this study was therefore to examine how academic studies contribute to competence development among elite student-athletes from various academic programmes. The study was based on qualitative interviews, and the empirical material was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that academic studies contribute to development in areas such as structure, self-confidence, reflection and analysis. Participants describe how their studies enhance their ability to organize everyday life, prioritize between competing demands and establish sustainable routines. Furthermore, the results show that studies contribute to an increased sense of security outside sport, a broader self-concept, and strengthened self-efficacy. In some cases, the participants also describe how their studies influence their analytical and reflective approach to training, performance, and personal development. Overall, the findings suggest that academic studies do not only provide subject-specific knowledge, but also support organizational, psychological and analytical competencies that may be valuable in both sporting and broader life contexts.