Crossfit and sports psychology : Elite Crossfit athletes’ opinions on mental toughness– a qualitative interview study

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to review the elite Crossfit athletes’ opinions of the importance of mental toughness to achieve optimal performance. A number of other research studies looking at psychological factors such as grit and mental toughness supports the idea that elite athletes should develop their mental capacity to improve their individual performance.  The method and research design consists of a qualitative interview study where four elite crossfit athletes have been interviewed. The athletes participated in a semi-structured interview about mental toughness, the attributes of what it means to be a mentally tough athlete and if it is important to be mentally tough to become successful in the sport of Crossfit. A semi-structured interview is where a list of questions are prepared at the same time as giving the interviewee room to elaborate and raise issues that the researcher may have missed (Clarke & Braun, 2013). The interviews where then analysed through a thematic analysis. The participants that were included in this study consistedof Swedish elite Crossfit athletes.  The results were divided into four themes which were: control commitment, challenge and confidence. These themes are from the 4 C model which is the definition of mental toughness by Clough et al. (2002). Challenge seems to be something that motivates the athletes to reach higher and something they also seek out. All the athletes agreed that commitment and confidence was crucial for having success in the sport and they also mentioned that mental toughness was important to be able to perform at your absolute best. The feeling of being in control was also mentioned as something that they strived for in the competition environment.  The interview results together with the presented existing research indicates that according to elite Crossfit athletes, mental toughness is very valuable for a professional Crossfit athlete to both develop and maintain to become and stay successful in the sport. This could be valuable information for both coaches and athletes in the sport.