The Importance of Psychological Interventions for Young Triathletes

This thesis explores the psychological challenges inherent in triathlon, a sport that demands not only physical endurance but also significant mental resilience. The multifaceted nature of triathlon, coupled with factors such as weather variability and equipment malfunctions, intensifies the psychological stress athletes experience. These pressures are further amplified for adolescent triathletes due to developmental, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors unique to this stage of life. Research has shown that intervention programs such as the Mindful Acceptance Commitment approach (MAC) or mental skill training can be beneficial for adult triathletes. However, implementing these interventions for young athletes is often challenging due to misconceptions about sport psychology and a lack of understanding. Therefore, assigning a sports psychologist to athletes is of paramount importance. This ensures that athletes can access professional mental health resources whenever needed, equipping them with the mental tools to handle future challenges. This thesis advocates for the establishment of a supportive and sustainable framework, alongside tailored psychological interventions, for young triathletes. Such initiatives are vital for the advancement of the sport and the comprehensive development of young athletes. Further empirical investigation is required to substantiate the potential advantages of psychological skills training for adolescent triathletes.