(Un)sustainability of the elite parasport development system in a Least Developed Country: an investigation of Cambodian para-Athletic career pathways

Abstract

Purpose: Establishing athletic career pathways is important for the sustainable development of elite parasport, but there is a paucity of literature on parasport athletic career pathways in economically disadvantaged, Least Developed Countries. The current study investigated how para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in Cambodia experience their athletic careers. Methodology: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four para-athletics coaches, six para-athletics athletes, and two parasport administrators in Cambodia. The transcripts were analyzed with thematic analysis. Findings and practical implications: Key themes indicated that the lack of parasport equipment limits new athlete recruitment, the lack of a positive career outlook after athletic retirement is a cause of distress among athletes, and specialized parasport coaches are lacking. These problems suggest alack of sustainability. The Cambodian government could invest in a clearer retirement preparation system for para-athletes. In this respect, retired para-athletes could continue contributing to parasport development in the country as elite and grassroots-level coaches. Research contribution: This is the first study examining the experience of para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in a Least Developed Country. Our findings identified recruitment, retirement preparation, and coach training as major areas for development. Value: The findings would assist evidence-based policy making for more sustainable development of elite parasport.