The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of female athletes : a study on local female runners

Abstract

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on seven Maltese female athletes’ mental wellbeing and health in the local scenario. By means of semi-structured interviews, I will be examining their coping mechanisms during the two partial lockdowns, when sports events were suspended. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, producing three key themes being: Anxiety, Motivation, Coping Strategies (Braun & Clarke, 2006). From the data analysed it transpires that although every participant has her distinct personality, COVID-19 had a significant impact on their mental health, particularly throughout the isolation period. However, athletes developed a variety of strategies to get by during this time, by mainly training at home or in the outer space and taking part in new pursuits. The research findings are significant for female research as a contribution, to raise awareness and to fill the present gap in this particular field.