Gender differences in coping strategies of elite athletes during COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has been recognised as a strong, uncontrollable stressor, increasing the risk of developing mental health problems. Elite athletes are a population at heightened risk of developing mental health problems, therefore identifying effective coping strategies is crucial. There is limited research exploring coping strategies employed by male and female athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Seventy athletes (67 per cent female) took part in an online survey containing closed and open-ended questions exploring changes to wellbeing and coping strategies employed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Three key themes were generated: Adaptation is the key to survival; Walk, sleep, rest, repeat; and Support seeking. Both genders used adaptive strategies, social support, and distraction strategies comparably. Female athletes used mindfulness practice techniques more than males. Such gender differences may offer coaches/sports psychologists useful information to tailor their provision of support for athletes and maximise coping ability.