Elite athletes are often leveraged as role models, regardless of their willingness to fulfil this role. Yet, little is known about how athletes perceive themselves as role models, what motivates them to be a role model or what barriers they encounter. Using Self-Determination Theory, this study explored these questions through semi-structured interviews with 20 Belgian elite athletes. Athletes` perceptions are more nuanced and cannot be reduced to `athletes are role models` or `athletes are not role models`. Athletes experienced intrinsic (e.g. satisfaction) and extrinsic (e.g. rewards) motivators, with feelings of competence, autonomy and social relatedness increasing their intrinsic motivation. Athletic, organisational, initiative-specific, personal and social barriers were identified. Findings highlight the importance of including an athlete-centred approach when developing role model theories within the sport`s context. Sport stakeholders are advised to foster an adequate motivational climate that supports athletes` autonomy, competence and social relatedness, while tackling barriers at different levels.
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