Determinant factors of success in elite competitive swimming: The perceptions of Olympic coaches

Abstract This study explored the perceptions of 33 Olympic swimming coaches from 12 national federations on key factors influencing elite performance, focusing on coach education, professional context, engagement with science, training planning and monitoring, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Using a validated 76-item online questionnaire, data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Nearly all coaches held university degrees and valued initial academic training, prioritizing ongoing education through peer interaction and professional development. Over half regularly consulted scientific literature. Despite the emphasis on exclusive coaching dedication, one-third of coaches held second jobs, reflecting occupational instability at the Olympic level. Professional practice involved assessing technical, psychological, and physiological indicators. Greater coaching experience, particularly through multiple Olympic participations, led coaches to assume more responsibility in athlete preparation, emphasizing technical and dryland strength training and multidisciplinary team contributions, especially from psychologists. Three models of psychologist integration were identified: full team integration, inclusion in the medical department, and external consultancy. The study concludes that coaches believe success is underpinned by the convergence of academic training, competitive experience, systematic monitoring, technical specialization, and multidisciplinary support, while the full professionalization of coaching remains a significant structural challenge.