Sporting Excellence and the Health of Ivorian Athletes: Between Overperformance and Institutional Constraints

This qualitative study investigates the effects of the pursuit of sporting excellence on the health of Ivorian athletes, examining the tensions between the imperative of overperformance and prevailing institutional logics. Its objective is to elucidate how sociocultural and institutional pressures shape the physical and mental well-being of these sportsmen and women. A triangulated methodology combines semi-structured interviews with elite athletes, participant observations during competitions, and documentary analysis of national sports policies. The findings reveal that athletes are subjected to intense pressure to achieve exceptional performances, often to the detriment of their physical and mental health. Such pressure is exacerbated by national expectations, financial stakes, and the paucity of adequate psychological support. The discussion underscores the need for a holistic approach incorporating mental health support schemes and institutional policies that prioritise athletes’ well-being. The study concludes that a critical reassessment of the sporting structures in Côte d’Ivoire is essential to promote a more balanced relationship between performance and athletes’ health.