SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND MOTIVATIONAL PROFILE OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE FEMALE ATHLETES IN THE ATHLETICS MODALITY IN MATO GROSSO

Abstract

Despite the challenges faced by female athletes, there has been a noticeable increase in their participation over the decades, both in national and international competitions, including the Olympic Games. In Mato Grosso, as well as at the national level, female presence in Athletics is on the rise, but further studies are needed to fully understand this reality and promote gender equality in the sports field. This study aims to profile the sociodemographic characteristics and identify the motivations for practicing Athletics among women in Mato Grosso. Sixty-seven female Athletics athletes, aged between 13 and 36, who participated in the Mato Grosso State Athletics Championships, completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire covered personal information, participation in the sport, and motivation for practicing Athletics. Data collection took place during competitive events in the state. After tabulating the data, the results were presented in means, standard deviations, and percentages. The athletes' average age was 17.66 ± 3.79 years, with 63% being minors. The majority are concentrated in the metropolitan region of Cuiabá, and only 30% receive athlete scholarships. Most athletes do not work and are in high school. The average practice time is 3.52 ± 2.85 years, with more than half of the athletes having experience in the sport, and the weekly training frequency is high (most train 6 days a week). Despite their youth and lack of incentives, the athletes demonstrate commitment to the practice, primarily driven by intrinsic motivational factors such as enjoying the sport and finding pleasure in practicing it. It is concluded that the challenges faced by elite female Athletics athletes in Mato Grosso include lack of infrastructure and financial incentives, as well as difficulties in balancing training with other activities. The concentration of athletes in Cuiabá suggests a search for better conditions in the face of logistical challenges. Dedication to the sport is high, motivated by intrinsic factors and family influences. Understanding these challenges is crucial for promoting gender equity and sports development in the country.