False Start?

Abstract

UK sprint coaches' employment of common racial stereotypes in explaining the success of Black and White sprinters was studied. It was hypothesised that the Black success would be attributed to innate genetic factors, whereas White success would be attributed to socioeconomic advantages, intelligence, and hard work. Thirty-one sprint coaches participated in success attribution exercises. Quantitative results revealed that Black and White photograph conditions were generally scored similarly in relation to stereotypical factors. However, qualitative results indicated some stereotype replication, and susceptibility to natural ability stereotypes due to an over emphasis on biological determinism, and modest recognition of less immediately apparent developmental factors. Whilst reassuring evidence was gained that UK sprint coaches do not widely employ stereotypes in attributing differently the success of Black and White athletes, there was sufficient evidence to necessitate continued vigilance. A theoretical model of stereotype influences in sprinting, and recommendations for both coaching and coach education are presented.