Navigating times of harmony and discord: the ever-changing role played by the families of elite immigrant athletes during their acculturation

Families play an important role in the development of elite athletes. However, little is known about the unique role subsumed by the families of elite immigrant athletes. Our authors sought to extend this understanding through a narrative inquiry approach with 9 elite immigrant athletes. Combining transcript data derived from arts-based conversational interviews and researcher field notes, the results are presented in the form of a composite moving story (i.e., stories composed from multiple guided journey accounts) comprising 3 themes: (a) "When you first come, the only people you got is your family," (b) "It's on me to find a balance between my priorities and my parents' wishes," and (c) "It's been a family effort to get me to where I am right now." The fluid nature in the story is brought forth by describing when, where, and to whom the athletes tell their story. This dynamic interplay is used to accentuate the idiographic, dynamic, and complex nature of elite athlete acculturation, resulting in differences arising between family members' values and priorities. Despite the tension that may arise due to these differences, family members (including siblings) play a vital role in supporting elite athletes throughout their journey. The use of a moving story as a form of representation offers readers an opportunity to think along with the athletes and learn through an embodied response to the complex relocation stories encountered by elite immigrant athletes.