"Getting Back to You”: A Multiple-Case Study of Sport Re-engagement in ‘Rekindler’ Masters Athletes

Authors

Abstract

Lifelong sport participation is often non-linear, characterized by periods of engagement, lapses, and potential re-engagement later in life. We may learn from rekindler Masters athletes (MAs), who regularly exceed physical activity recommendations after re-engaging in sport following a prolonged lapse. We explored the facilitators, barriers, and strategies rekindlers used to successfully re-engage in sport. Eleven MAs (9F, 2M; Mage = 52.18) created timelines and participated in semi-structured interviews depicting their lapse and re-engagement. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found that MAs had extensive sport participation in their youth and experienced a lapse. Upon re-engaging, MAs relied upon strategies (i.e., researching the program, setting goals, scheduling, social strategies) and facilitators (i.e., participatory motives, social structures and support, external structures) to overcome barriers to participation. Our results highlight the complexities of sport re-engagement and may help individuals return to sport and physical activity in adulthood.

 

Keywords: adult sport; active aging; physical activity; qualitative research

Author Biographies

Zakry Walsh, Wilfrid Laurier University

Zakry Walsh is a PhD candidate in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University. His research examines group dynamics in competitive and recreational adult/Masters sport contexts, along with the mechanisms/strategies that enable lifelong sport adherence in Masters athletes.

Derrik Motz, University of Ottawa

Derrik Motz is a PhD candidate at the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. His research examines how athletic identity influences the behaviors, affect, and social outcomes of adult athletes across the lifespan. He also explores adult-oriented coaching practices, including the outcomes when coaches implement these practices and athletes' preferences for them. Derrik utilizes quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches in his research. He also serves on the coaching committee for Canada Masters Athletics.

Stéphanie Turgeon, Université du Québec en Outaouais

Dr. Stéphanie Turgeon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. Her primary research interest consists of utilizing physical activity and sport to contribute to individuals’ adaptive functioning and wellbeing within and beyond the sport environment.

Scott Rathwell, University of Lethbridge

Dr. Scott Rathwell is an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Rathwell’s research focuses on the psychosocial factors related to lifelong sport and the mechanisms through which Masters athletes maintain their elite performance.

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Published

2025-08-31

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2025): Revue phénEPS-PHEnex Journal

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond

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