Intersections Between Leisure and Performance Sport

An Analysis of the Leisure Practices of Olympic Taekwondo Athletes in Brazil

Abstract

This research was based on analyzing sport, from the field of sport performance, and leisure, from the understanding of contemporary studies. The general objective was to analyze in measure the sports competitions that constitute a moment for the diversification of the leisure practices of the Olympic taekwondo athlete. A qualitative approach was used, using the semi-structured interview as a collection technique, followed by Bardin's (2016) content analysis. The survey found that Olympic athletes understand leisure as an activity unrelated to work, which makes leisure practices rare or null during the competition period. The characteristics as well as the Olympic fundamentals of taekwondo, were described as factors influencing the athletes' leisure practices, whether in preparation for competitions or during the period of their occurrence.