Barreras para la práctica deportiva de mujeres en el alto rendimiento

Abstract

This study analyzes the main barriers faced by female athletes in their participation inhigh-performance sports. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a questionnairewas administered to 253 players from teams competing in national leagues in theValencian Community. The quantitative results reveal that the most frequently mentionedbarriers are economic instability, academic workload, and the need to give up other vitalaspects of life. In addition, biological, social, and symbolic obstacles were identified, suchas menstruation, pregnancy, gender stereotypes, and sexualization. The qualitative analysis provided deeper insight into how these barriers affect athletes’ motivation, wellbeing, and continuity in competition. The findings suggest that these difficulties are notindividual or circumstantial but rather structural and multidimensional. Based on theseresults, there is a need to reassess the conditions of participation in women’s sports andto promote more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable sporting environments.