Investigation of mental endurance status of athletes at different levels in flatwater canoeing and rowing sports in Turkiye

This study aims to examine the levels of mental toughness among athletes engaged in flatwater canoeing and rowing in Turkey, within the context of various demographic and sport-specific variables. The research sample consisted of 202 athletes who voluntarily participated by completing an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in mental toughness levels based on gender, age, educational background, or years of sports participation. However, significant differences were observed based on the type of sport and the level of athletic involvement. Athletes engaged in canoeing demonstrated higher mental toughness scores compared to rowers. Similarly, amateur athletes exhibited significantly higher levels of mental toughness than their professional and national-level counterparts. These findings suggest that mental toughness is influenced not only by personal traits but also by the nature of the sport and the athlete's competitive experience. The results underscore the importance of incorporating individualized psychological preparation programs—particularly at the elite level—to enhance performance sustainability. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for systematic mental training support in water sports such as canoeing and rowing. It is expected that the findings will contribute to the growing body of literature in sports psychology and provide a theoretical foundation for future research in similar domains.