Abstract des Autors

Attentional focus in endurance sports is subdivided into an internal and an external focus. The aim o f this study was to assess attentional focus in the three disciplines o f an Ironman triathlon and relate them to performance. Attentional focus strategies o f athletes competing in the Hawaiian Ironman were assessed by a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to measure attentional focus separately for the three disciplines swimming, cycling and running. Findings revealed differences o f attentional focus in the three disciplines. While both foci (external and internal) were used comparably during the swim and bike the focus became more internal during the run. There was no relationship between attentional focus and performance. This study shows that the use o f attentional focus in an Ironman triathlon should be seen discipline specific. In general, attention during an Ironman race is not entirely focused to one direction but internal as well as external aspects are important during the whole competition.