The present study provides evidence that an individually perceived relevance of professional triathlon causally increases the time spent on amateur triathlon participation. However, the transfer of these results to other countries and/or other sports is limited due to special characteristics of triathlon, such as the limited number of participants in general or the high physiological requirements. Nevertheless, further research in this area is promising. Increasing sport participation is still a major (sports) policy concern and, in addition, of highest relevance for sport managers of different industries. However, it has to be mentioned that the methodological approach to evaluate an isolated causal effect of a professional sports stimulus faces some serious difficulties. Advanced research designs and longitudinal data will be necessary to deliver further insights.
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