Elite athletes pursuing an academic education : exploring possibilities

Abstract

This dissertation explores the possibilities that elite athletes have in pursuing an academic education. Such athletes often find themselves in a dilemma as to whether they should choose to follow their sport profession at the expense of not achieving educational targets. Since, in Malta, academic certification is deemed to be very important for employment, the concept of lifelong education needs to be fully understood, especially in the case of elite athletes. A review of the literature on the subject is followed by interviews and observations with three Maltese elite athletes. The study's intention is to provide a voice to these athletes, whose life history was revealed. A qualitative analysis of the data showed that athletes require a diverse system of education to be able to balance both interests in their lives. The Maltese educational system needs to be modified with the help of other social bodies such as sport organisations and the media. The needs of elite athletes have to be comprehended better. Additionally, financial support was found to be vital for Maltese local athletes, especially when considering the lack of time they have to engage themselves in a complementary job. Finally, it is to be hoped that this study raises the political awareness needed to act as a means of change regarding this issue.