The reasons for choosing the swimming branch of 15 – 18 age swimming athletes and their expectations from the branch

The research was conducted to examine the reasons why individuals choose swimming and the individual and environmental factors that influence these preferences. The study focused on the physical, psychological, and sociological dimensions of swimming, and evaluated the multifaceted effects of swimming on individual development. Under the heading "The Effects of Sports on the Individual," the physical, psychological, and sociological levels were addressed, and the developmental contributions of swimming were specifically examined. Furthermore, the impact of swimming on the developmental process in child and young athletes was evaluated under a separate heading. In this study, a quantitative research design was chosen in accordance with the purpose of the research. The quantitative method allows for the testing of hypotheses with measurable data and generally involves survey and experimental approaches. A survey approach was adopted in this study. The participants' attitudes and tendencies were analyzed numerically through a survey. The research population consisted of secondary school students living in Tokat and Amasya, aged 15-18, interested in swimming. The sample consisted of 20 participants selected based on validity and reliability calculations. Data were collected through face-to-face and online surveys. The survey form consisted of two parts: The first section includes demographic information, while the second section includes 5-point Likert-type questions about swimming preferences and expectations. Surveys were administered face-to-face via Google Form on a voluntary basis, and data were collected between specific dates. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27. The results are presented and interpreted in tables. The findings show that the most determining factors in swimming preferences are intrinsic motivation (love of sports, quality time, healthy living) and the social environment (influence of family, friends, coach). The results indicate that swimming contributes not only to the physical development of individuals but also to their psychological satisfaction and social identity development. While increasing parental education and income levels make sports choices more conscious and multidimensional, swimming in low socioeconomic levels is often associated with economic expectations. Qualitative differences in motivational sources have also been observed between private and public school students. In this context, it has been concluded that family, education, environment and school-based support systems should be developed in the formation of sports policies, and that the dissemination of developmentally strong sports such as swimming will provide both individual and social benefits.