Identity Crisis: Young athletes in high-performance sports don't get to form a multi-faceted identity. It's all about the sport!

• 🌍 Real-world example: Imagine if Harry Potter only knew how to cast spells but didn't know how to talk to his friends, enjoy a candy, or fly a broom for fun. He'd feel lost outside of Hogwarts!

Lack of Control: Athletes, especially young ones, feel like they have no say in their own lives. Parents, coaches, or someone else always decides for them.

• 🎮 Real-world example: It's like playing a video game where someone else holds the controller. Not fun, right?

Performance vs. Personal Growth: Sports programs prioritize peak performance and winning, but what about personal development or life outside sports?

• 🎤 Real-world example: Think of pop stars pushed into the limelight early. They might make hit songs but miss out on normal teenage stuff!

Feeling Disempowered: When athletes can't decide anything for themselves, they start to feel that their sports journey has hit a dead end.

• 🚗 Real-world example: It's like being in a car, seeing a roadblock, and not having the keys to turn around.