Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions
IntroductionAchieving exceptional performance in sports, particularly among twice-exceptional athletes, is a multifaceted process that remains underexplored. Understanding the developmental pathways that lead to performance excellence is essential for supporting this unique population.MethodsThis st...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1556081/full |
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| author | Abdulhamid A. Alarfaj Marwa M. Hassan Refah M. Aljohar Fahad A. Almuaili Mohamed D. Hassan |
| author_facet | Abdulhamid A. Alarfaj Marwa M. Hassan Refah M. Aljohar Fahad A. Almuaili Mohamed D. Hassan |
| author_sort | Abdulhamid A. Alarfaj |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionAchieving exceptional performance in sports, particularly among twice-exceptional athletes, is a multifaceted process that remains underexplored. Understanding the developmental pathways that lead to performance excellence is essential for supporting this unique population.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative case study approach involving three male Paralympic champions (mean age: 33 years). Data were collected using achievement portfolios and in-depth interviews to explore the athletes’ lived experiences and identify influential developmental factors.ResultsTwo distinct developmental stages emerged from the analysis. The first stage, characterized by spontaneous and unstructured motivation, was shaped by psychological and social influences that sparked a general interest in sports. The second stage involved intentional goal setting and structured practice within specialized sports environments. Key factors such as individual growth characteristics and physiological development influenced each stage differently over time.DiscussionThe findings highlight the complex interplay of personal, psychological, social, and contextual factors in the development of performance excellence in twice-exceptional Paralympic athletes. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how targeted support and recognition of developmental needs can foster sustained athletic excellence. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4ed5b703d6734fdf9b0ec3b75b9507c8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-4ed5b703d6734fdf9b0ec3b75b9507c82025-08-20T03:17:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-04-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15560811556081Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic championsAbdulhamid A. Alarfaj0Marwa M. Hassan1Refah M. Aljohar2Fahad A. Almuaili3Mohamed D. Hassan4Department of Special Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Special Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Special Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaIntroductionAchieving exceptional performance in sports, particularly among twice-exceptional athletes, is a multifaceted process that remains underexplored. Understanding the developmental pathways that lead to performance excellence is essential for supporting this unique population.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative case study approach involving three male Paralympic champions (mean age: 33 years). Data were collected using achievement portfolios and in-depth interviews to explore the athletes’ lived experiences and identify influential developmental factors.ResultsTwo distinct developmental stages emerged from the analysis. The first stage, characterized by spontaneous and unstructured motivation, was shaped by psychological and social influences that sparked a general interest in sports. The second stage involved intentional goal setting and structured practice within specialized sports environments. Key factors such as individual growth characteristics and physiological development influenced each stage differently over time.DiscussionThe findings highlight the complex interplay of personal, psychological, social, and contextual factors in the development of performance excellence in twice-exceptional Paralympic athletes. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how targeted support and recognition of developmental needs can foster sustained athletic excellence.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1556081/fulltwice-exceptional athletesParalympic athleteselite performancedevelopmental factorspsychosocial impactadaptive sports excellence |
| spellingShingle | Abdulhamid A. Alarfaj Marwa M. Hassan Refah M. Aljohar Fahad A. Almuaili Mohamed D. Hassan Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions Frontiers in Psychology twice-exceptional athletes Paralympic athletes elite performance developmental factors psychosocial impact adaptive sports excellence |
| title | Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions |
| title_full | Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions |
| title_fullStr | Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions |
| title_short | Exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice-exceptional Saudi athletes: a case study of Paralympic champions |
| title_sort | exploring developmental factors influencing performance excellence in twice exceptional saudi athletes a case study of paralympic champions |
| topic | twice-exceptional athletes Paralympic athletes elite performance developmental factors psychosocial impact adaptive sports excellence |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1556081/full |
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