In this study, the challenges and legal needs faced by nationally recognized Paralympic athletes with physical disabilities were examined. The research employed a phenomenological design, with the population consisting of 57 athletes who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. A purposive sampling method was used to select 40 athletes, with whom semi structured interviews were conducted via the Zoom platform. The data collected were analyzed through content analysis using the MAXQDA 24 software, resulting in the identification of 8 main themes, 11 sub themes, and 168 codes. The findings indicate that athletes face significant challenges both prior to and after obtaining national status, particularly in areas such as transportation, access to equipment, financial support, facility accessibility, psychological support, sponsorship, and athlete management. In addition, needs were identified regarding retirement rights, contractual arrangements, insurance coverage, teaching appointments, administrative procedures, and award regulations. Within the scope of social rights, the necessity for increased support for wheelchairs and prosthetics, improved accessibility to transportation, tax reductions, and expanded employment opportunities was also highlighted. In conclusion, the study reveals that Paralympic athletes encounter multifaceted challenges in physical, social, economic, and legal domains. It is further assessed that implementing improvements in line with athletes’ needs and expectations will enhance their motivation and athletic performance.
Vural et al. (Wed,) studied this question.