IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. In sports competitions, medalist athletes have lower levels of anxiety compared to non-medalists. However, little is known about the differences between the anxiety levels of the first, second and third placed in sports competitions.
Problem and Aim. This study aimed to analyze the difference in the anxiety levels among competitors regarding obtaining a medal and the type of medal obtained by world-level athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Methods. This is an observational study with a sample of 58 male athletes from different BJJ weight categories (26.5±7.2 years). Data were obtained in the BJJ World Championship when athletes answered the STAI (state and trait anxiety analysis) and CSAI-2 (pre-competitive anxiety analysis) questionnaires 60-min before the competition and from the first fight. The athletes’ respective placements were recorded. For analysis, the sample was divided into groups: Gold Medal (26%), Silver Medal (31%), Bronze Medal (20%), and a non-medalist (23%).
Results. For state-trait anxiety, no significant differences were found (p>0.05). However, the Gold Medal and Silver Medal groups showed somatic (F(3.0)=22.9; η2p=0.56; p<0.001) and cognitive (F(3.0)=15.5; η2p=0.46; p<0.001) anxiety levels lower than the Bronze Medal and Non-medalists. For self-confidence, there were no significant differences between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion. In conclusion, the world medal-winning athletes of BJJ who showed lower levels of pre-competitive anxiety won gold or silver medals, while athletes with higher rates won bronze medals or none.