Table 3. Representation of the meaningful and coherent views of world-class Caribbean track and field athletes in relation to their developmental experiences during childhood and adolescence. SUPERORDINATE THEME HIGHER ORDER THEME LOWER ORDER THEME RAW DATA THEME CONDUCIVE SPORTING ENVIRONMENT Training mode ‘Play for fun’ Fun, no pressure to win No training structure, multi-sport participation ‘Serious work’ Serious, goal oriented Structured training, increased training volume and intensity Difficulty adjusting to transition Increased time commitment Competition mode ‘Fun and Games’ Bush games/village sport participation, extrinsically motivated (prizes) ‘Compete to win’ Competitive mind-set, increased pressure to win Difficulty adapting to high-competitive environment Competition defeat as motivation ‘Eye-opener’ International competition as eye-opener FUNCTIONAL SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK Family influence Family involvement Parent proactiveness Family support (emotional, financial, physical) Family sporting history Rich family sporting history Parent sporting background as incentive Coach influence Leadership qualities Coach belief and support Coach as mentor Coach-athlete relationship Liking and trust (closeness) Father-mother figure / friend Increased reliance on support from coach Peer motivation Peer rivalry Motivation to compete with peers Peer camaraderie Socialize with like-minded peers Increased reliance on support from significant other, teammates KEY ORGANIZATIONAL INPUT Talent recruitment Recruiter Early talent identification (teacher, coach, parent) Industry support Industry support Support through national federations, sporting scholarships, professional contracts, Financial, educational, facilities, equipment etc.