Impact of Motivation and Self-Confidence On Performance of Long-Distance Runners in Selected The First Division Athletics Club of Addis Ababa City Administration

Abstract

The research study investigated impact of motivation and self-confidence on performance of long-distance runners in a selected first division athletic club in Addis Ababa city administration. The study used a mixed design research methodology, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The study population consisted of 86 athletes and 6 coaches from long-distance runners in selected first division athletics club of Addis Ababa city administration, and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the participants. The instrument of data collection used for this study was standard questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, and descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentage were used to analyze the current existing athlete's motivational and self-confidence levels. The study found that motivation and self-confidence have a significant effect on the performance of long-distance runners, with motivation χ2 (85) = 294.94, p = 0.00, and self-confidence χ2 (85) = 297.94, p = 0.00. The study also found that the majority of athletes were male, young adults, and had a lower level of education, while the majority of coaches were male, with a functional physiological age, and sufficient coaching experience. The study emphasizes the importance of motivation and self confidence in the performance of long-distance runners and provides practical strategies for coaches and athletes to improve these factors. In generally, the study found that motivation and self-confidence have a significant effect on performance, and emphasizes the importance of these factors in improving the performance of long-distance runners in a selected first division athletic club in Addis Ababa city administration.