Classification in sport: Exploring the experiences of elite British athletes with a disability

Despite recent momentum to support and improve athletes’ health and well-being in sport, comparably less research has been conducted on these topics within disability sport. This disparity is surprising given that evidence demonstrates that athletes with disabilities encounter disability-specific stressors and experience higher distress than athletes without a disability. One stressor unique to disability sport which has received limited attention to date is the classification system. Our novel study aimed to explore the experiences that elite British athletes with a disability can have of the classification system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 elite British athletes with a disability (4 females, 6 males; M_age = 30.00, SD = 7.39). Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were generated: “A Perceived Bias in the System” which comprised aspects of the system that some participants felt favored particular athletes. “Inner Turmoil Stemming from Uncertainty and Lack of Control” reflected the negative physical and psychological experiences that some athletes associated with classification. Finally, “Classification: A Taboo Subject” referred to how classification was experienced by some as a forbidden topic within disability sport. These results provide a novel insight into athletes’ experiences and realities involving perceived system biases, athletes feeling forbidden to discuss classification, and the inner turmoil created by uncertain classification demands perceived to be out of athletes’ control. Practically, sport psychologists should support national governing bodies to provide classification guidance, seek to develop an environment that promotes psychological safety, and support athletes with classification pressures, emotions, and tolerance to uncertainty.