Building the city of champions: an examination of the motivations and impacts of athlete entrepreneurship in Kenya

Korir, Diana; Ormerod, Neil; Fletcher, Thomas

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/20460

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Authors

Korir, Diana

Ormerod, Neil

Fletcher, Thomas

Abstract(s)

PurposeThis paper examines the under-explored phenomena of athlete entrepreneurship in Kenya.MethodologySemi-structured interviews with current and retired athletes, and Athletics Kenya representatives.FindingsAthlete investments are personally and societally important and have led to significant social and economic development. We uncover the pivotal role of associated stakeholders, such as coaches, in influencing and educating athletes about investments. Furthermore, we show that elite athlete entrepreneurship and investment comprise a unique form of athlete-led entrepreneurship that is driven by necessity, but also opportunity from their sporting career.Practical implicationsThere are lessons for local government and athletic federations about how best to support athletes non-sport lives through education.Research contributionThere has been growing interest in sport-based, and athlete-led entrepreneurship over the last decade. Very little has focused on how athletes make investment decisions, who the main influencers are, and the potential social and economic impacts of investment activity on athletes and local communities. Very little, if any, of this work has centralised athletes from the Global South.OriginalityThis paper makes a significant contribution to this phenomena through an examination of athlete investments and entrepreneurship by high-profile Kenyan middle- and long-distance runners.