Cognitive characteristics of expert, middle of the pack, and back of the pack ultra-endurance triathletes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive differences between expert and non-expert UE triathletes. Design: Twenty-one UE triathletes were stratified according to finishing times into three groups; experts (< 9.5 h), middle of the pack (similar to 12.5 h), and back of the pack triathletes (> 14.0 h). Methods: Cognition was examined using a think-aloud protocol with the aid of a video montage of segments from an UE triathlon representing periods of high decision-making or cognition. Inductive qualitative analyses supported the classification of athlete cognitions as passive, active, or proactive. Results: Expert triathletes reported a greater emphasis on thoughts related to their performance, while middle of the pack and back of the pack triathletes reported a greater number of passive thoughts. Furthermore, experts were more proactive in their approach to performance situations than mid- and back-pack triathletes. Conclusions: Expert UE triathletes are cognitively different from non-experts, although future research is needed to determine the role these differences play in promoting expert performance. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.