本研究探討退役優秀游泳選手在生涯發展與生涯轉換的歷程，以及社會支持對其運動員生涯歷程的作用與影響。本研究以曾代表台灣參加國際正式錦標賽、泳齡超過10年以上及退役超過5年以上的6位游泳選手為研究對象，採用半結構式深度訪談作為資料蒐集方法。所得結論如下：在運動生涯發展發方面，受訪者在啟蒙階段多因家人支持而參與游泳運動；在訓練歷程中，雖能屢創佳績獲得成就感，唯因承受運動傷害或面對難以突破的瓶頸，陷入生涯低潮；在求學階段因學生與選手雙重角色，時而感到壓力。在生涯轉換歷程方面，受訪者多在大學階段萌生退意而開始為生涯轉換做準備；在退役後的職業選擇，多以教練或教師為優先工作考量；進入新職場後因角色轉變曾面臨工作調適的問題。在社會支持體系方面，家人及教練是最具有影響力的重要他人；學生時期均受惠教育機構的升學保送制度，順利取得大學文憑或研究所學位；在生涯轉換階段，因就業輔導申請資格門檻甚高，未能獲得政府體育機關協助進入新職場，而教練與家人的支持協助，仍是生涯發展與轉換歷程的最大原動力。
The present study explored elite swimmers’ career development and career transition process. Moreover, it investigated the effects of social support on elite swimmers during their athletic careers and after career terminations. This study adopted a qualitative approach; it used semi-structured in-depth interview as a method for data collection. Six retired elite swimmers who had participated in specific training programs for at least 10 years and had retired from competitions for at least 5 years were selected for the study. The results of the study were as follows: In the aspect of athletic career development, all elite swimmers were inspired by their family members and started their athletic careers. Generally, all interviewees were once confronted with sport injuries, facing problems and tough challenges after reaching peak performances. Due to their dual roles as students and athletes, they commonly felt under pressure in their athletic careers. In the aspect of career transition, the consideration of retirement occurred at the end of college years. For the preparation of future careers, they usually turned to coaches or family members for suggestions. Because of their long-term involvement in sport, they chose teaching and/or coaching jobs after career transitions. All interviewees indicated that government supports related to regulations for giving them opportunities for academic advancement were helpful. Yet, they suggested that family members and coaches played key roles throughout their athletic careers and had significantly impacts on their career choice and work after athletic career terminations.
