Meaning, trust, and belonging: Exploring the factors that foster elite forced migrant athletes' growth

Background and purpose: Researchers have highlighted elite refugee athletes' acculturation and sport -related challenges upon transitioning into host country sports systems. Using a strength -based approach, we aimed to broaden this view through exploring the internal and external factors that have fostered refugee athletes' abilities to find meaning and growth following their transitions into a national sports system. Methodology: Data collection began with an arts -based drawing activity which was then discussed in a conversational interview. Fourteen (n = 11 male, 3 female) national and international refugee athletes participated. The interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis, a form of qualitative analysis used to derive commonalities that connect athletes' experiences. The data is represented through polyphonic vignettes (narrative featuring multiple perspectives) to safeguard athletes' anonymity whilst showcasing varying perspectives. Results: Athletes were at various phases of growth at the time of the interviews. The primary internal factor that facilitated growth was responsibility to find and pursue meaning. External factors of trust and belonging, actualized through supporting elite athletes' personal differences, were external factors that fostered their abilities to find meaning. Conclusion: Elite refugee athletes' growth occurred at the nexus of individual responsibility, trusting relationships, and inclusive sport environments. The findings inform individual and environmental growth -based interventions for current and future elite athletes who face varying adversities within their sports contexts.