Dual Careers in Athletics: Needs and Expectations of Elite Track and Field Athletes

Abstract Promoting the balance between academic achievement and sporting success has become a growing priority within elite sport. Mentoring athletes and preparing them for post-athletic life are key elements of modern sport governance, supported by various institutional and educational programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the expectations and needs of Hungarian elite track and field athletes regarding their dual careers. The research employed an online questionnaire developed within the Erasmus+ Dual Career for Athletes Competence (DC4AC) project, comprising 20 items rated on a Likert scale. The sample included 90 athletes (32.5 % of the eligible population) who had achieved 1st–8th place in national championships. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t -tests, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis ( p < 0.05). Results indicated that association membership did not significantly influence dual career aspirations. Female athletes expressed a stronger desire to continue their studies ( t = 2.49; p < 0.001) and placed greater importance on educational and psychological support, while male athletes showed less interest in higher education studies. Discipline-specific differences also emerged, with jumpers reporting greater need for academic support compared to runners and throwers. Overall, athletes perceived the availability of dual career support in Hungary as limited and emphasized the need for more flexible study options and targeted assistance. The findings highlight the importance of implementing gender-sensitive and discipline-specific support strategies and integrating European dual career principles into national sport federations to ensure equitable educational and professional opportunities for elite athletes.