The effects of the competitive environment on enjoyment and positive feelings in sport are not fully understood, but the study of elite performers has shown that
they are competitive, self-confident, and cope well with
stress with respect to lower level athletes, or amateurs
(Gould et al., 2002; Harwood et al., 2004). Hence, it is
expected that adolescents who engage in elite programmes will show the same personality characteristics,
and the exposure to demanding training loads will reinforce them.