Socio-Ecological Factors of Podium Performance Among Delta State Programmed Athletes

This study investigated the socio-ecological influences of podium performance among programmed athletes in Delta State, Nigeria. The study employed a whole-population sampling technique involving 450 programmed athletes. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by experts in Sports Science and Education. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and grand mean interpretation, which provided insights into the level of agreement among respondents. The findings revealed that podium performance is shaped by a multidimensional system of influences. Psychological attributes such as goal-setting, stress management, and emotional resilience were perceived as essential for sustaining elite performance. The study concludes that podium performance is best understood within a holistic framework of interconnected psychological, social, institutional, and policy determinants. It recommends athlete-centered mental conditioning programs, stronger interpersonal and community support, infrastructural upgrades, comprehensive policy reforms, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.