Olympic Athletes as Role Models in Physical Education

Olympic Education has evolved into a peak educational approach worldwide in the past few years. Despite the value of spreading Olympic ideals through PE, it seems that Olympians and elite athletes have not been exploited as role models to further increase the effects on students. The present study aims to explore whether Olympic athletes can be role models for young students and if they have the skills to promote Olympic Values via PE. Interviews based on Bandura's social learning theory were done with 8 sports education executives as a pilot study and subsequently with 64 Greek OLYs. Moreover, interviews with 30 students after a one-month sailing program and lectures on Olympic Ideals by an OLY were conducted for the triangulation process. Results showcased that the Olympian's abilities, skills, and motor skills need to be integrated into the framework of the PE program along with scientific and technical knowledge. As a result, this project offers a solid initiative based on philosophical-theoretical pedagogical principles that are put to use in a real-world setting, improving the comprehension of the contemporary science of PE. The results are intended to be used to develop guidelines as a component of a curriculum for young students to promote athletic values.