Questions to Ask an Athlete in an Interview
Insightful questions that help you understand an athlete's journey, mindset, and experiences while revealing their dedication, challenges, and what drives their success.
1What's the most challenging aspect of your sport that people might not realize?
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What's the most challenging aspect of your sport that people might not realize?
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Why this works
Reveals their deep understanding of their sport and helps you understand the complexities and difficulties that aren't immediately obvious to spectators.
2How do you prepare mentally for competition?
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How do you prepare mentally for competition?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to mental preparation and reveals their mindset and strategies for handling pressure and competition.
3What's the most important lesson you've learned from your sport?
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What's the most important lesson you've learned from your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals their personal growth and what they value most about their athletic experience, showing how sports have shaped their character.
4How do you handle setbacks and failures in your sport?
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How do you handle setbacks and failures in your sport?
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Why this works
Shows their resilience and mental toughness while revealing their approach to overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes.
5What's your favorite part of training and why?
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What's your favorite part of training and why?
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Why this works
Reveals what they find most enjoyable about their sport and shows their passion for the process, not just the results.
6How do you balance your athletic career with other aspects of your life?
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How do you balance your athletic career with other aspects of your life?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to life balance and reveals how they manage the demands of being an athlete while maintaining other relationships and interests.
7What's the most surprising thing you've discovered about yourself through your sport?
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What's the most surprising thing you've discovered about yourself through your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals their self-awareness and shows how athletics has helped them understand their own capabilities, limitations, and potential.
8How do you stay motivated during difficult times or when you're not performing well?
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How do you stay motivated during difficult times or when you're not performing well?
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Why this works
Shows their mental resilience and reveals their strategies for maintaining motivation and focus during challenging periods.
9What's the most important piece of advice you'd give to someone starting in your sport?
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What's the most important piece of advice you'd give to someone starting in your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals their wisdom and experience while showing what they think is most important for success in their sport.
10How do you approach goal-setting and what goals are you currently working toward?
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How do you approach goal-setting and what goals are you currently working toward?
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Why this works
Shows their planning and goal-setting process while revealing their current aspirations and how they structure their objectives.
11What's the most rewarding aspect of being an athlete?
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What's the most rewarding aspect of being an athlete?
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Why this works
Reveals what they find most fulfilling about their athletic career and shows what drives their passion for their sport.
12How do you handle the pressure of competition and expectations?
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How do you handle the pressure of competition and expectations?
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Why this works
Shows their mental toughness and reveals their strategies for managing stress and performing under pressure.
13What's the most important skill you've developed through your sport?
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What's the most important skill you've developed through your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals their personal development and shows what they consider most valuable about their athletic experience beyond just physical abilities.
14How do you approach recovery and injury prevention?
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How do you approach recovery and injury prevention?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of the physical demands of their sport and reveals their approach to maintaining their health and performance.
15What's the most challenging moment you've faced in your athletic career?
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What's the most challenging moment you've faced in your athletic career?
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Why this works
Reveals their resilience and shows how they've handled difficult situations, providing insight into their character and determination.
16How do you work with coaches and teammates to improve your performance?
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How do you work with coaches and teammates to improve your performance?
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Why this works
Shows their collaborative skills and reveals their approach to working with others to achieve common goals.
17What's the most important thing you've learned about teamwork?
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What's the most important thing you've learned about teamwork?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of collaboration and shows what they value most about working with others in their sport.
18How do you approach nutrition and lifestyle choices to support your athletic performance?
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How do you approach nutrition and lifestyle choices to support your athletic performance?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of the holistic nature of athletic performance and reveals their approach to supporting their sport through lifestyle choices.
19What's the most inspiring thing you've witnessed in your sport?
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What's the most inspiring thing you've witnessed in your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals what they find inspiring and shows their appreciation for the positive aspects of their sport and the people involved.
20How do you want to be remembered in your sport?
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How do you want to be remembered in your sport?
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Why this works
Reveals their values and aspirations while showing what they consider most important about their legacy and impact in their sport.
Best Practices for Athlete Interview Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Respect for Their Dedication
Athletes often have incredible dedication and work ethic. Show respect for their commitment and the sacrifices they make for their sport.
Ask About Both Success and Challenges
Balance questions about achievements with questions about difficulties and setbacks. This shows you understand that athletic success involves both triumphs and struggles.
Focus on the Human Side of Athletics
While their sport is important, also show interest in their personal growth, relationships, and how athletics has shaped them as a person.
Question Sequences
The Mental and Emotional Journey
The Personal Growth and Development Flow
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Physical Aspects
While physical ability is important, also ask about mental preparation, emotional challenges, and personal growth. Athletes are whole people, not just physical performers.
Avoid Overly Technical Questions
Unless you're interviewing for a technical role, avoid getting too deep into technical aspects of their sport. Focus on their experience, mindset, and personal journey.
Don't Ignore the Challenges and Struggles
While it's important to celebrate their successes, also acknowledge the difficulties and challenges they face. This shows you understand the full reality of being an athlete.