Voices of Change
A Qualitative Analysis of the Motivations Behind Female Athlete Activism at Tokyo 2020
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7168529 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marloes Ekkelboom (0009-0009-0297-0872, German Sport University Cologne, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sociology of Sport Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0741-1235 • E-ISSN: 1543-2785 |
| Publisher | Human Kinetics (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1123/ssj.2025-0019 |
| OpenAlex | W7126183144 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 26 |
This study investigates the motivations of intersectionally marginalized female athletes engaging in activism during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Using qualitative content analysis of secondary-sourced interviews with three U.S. Olympians, the research identifies five areas influencing activist behavior. The findings reveal that the interplay of psychological needs—autonomy and self-identification, competence and controllability, and belonging and community connection—alongside socialization and personal identity drive these athletes’ actions. By highlighting these motivational factors, the study provides valuable insights for sporting organizations, offering future directions on fostering environments that support athlete activism while addressing systemic inequities
Athletes · Competence (human resources) · Content analysis · Identity (music) · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Socialization · Sociology of sport · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts · Sport Psychology and Performance · Sports, Gender, and Society
Appreciating similarities and valuing differences
Orchestrated Outrage
‘Write when it hurts. Then write till it doesn’t’
Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being
Two, four, six, eight…why we want to participate
My Story Is My Activism!”
This Isn’t Just About Us”
The role of challenges and supports in engaging white athletes in activism for racial justice
An Interpretive Investigation into Motivations for Outgroup Activism
Protest, Activism, and the Olympic Games
From Black Power to Indigenous Activism
Well, what was the message you got
Understanding Feminist Activism among Women
Race and resistance
Stick to Sports' and Critical Sports Media Industry Studies
Moving Toward Understanding Social Justice in Sport Organizations
The politics of race and sport
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |