Table 3.

Second main theme: protective factors.

Second level categories	Examples mentioned in the interviews
Benefits of recovery and training	• Recovery of injuries without stress • Less stressful life and relaxation at home • Time for quality training to reach a higher athletic level
Specific coping strategies and self-care behaviors	• Focus on sports development, your performance and what is controllable • Remembering why you do sports and taking ownership of actions • The importance of playfulness, down-play being “the best” all the time • Acceptance and psychological adjustment to the pandemic situation • Routines, short term goals, variation and positive reinforcement in training and life
Long-term personal growth and resiliency	• Personal development and broadened competencies outside sports by studies and work • New experiences and altered view on training and need of recovery • Appreciation of what you take for granted • Perspectives on elite sports • Experience that you can manage it even if a situation is chaotic in the moment
Social support	• Availability of social support and a sense of coherence