EXAMINATION OF THE PERSONALITY TRAITS OF ATHLETES AND THEIR LEVEL OF EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

This study aims to examine the personality characteristics of athletes and their level of excellent performance in sports in terms of various variables. The target population of the study consists of the athletes in volleyball, basketball, and swimming clubs operating in Usak and Antalya. The sample of this study consists of 180 licensed athletes from basketball, swimming, and volleyball clubs. "Big Five Personality Traits Scale" and "Validation of Performance Perfectionism Scale" were used as data collection tools. No significant difference was found between the gender variable of athletes and their personality traits. It has been observed that the level of the excellent performance of men in sports is higher than that of women. A significant difference was determined between the personality traits of the athletes and the sports branch. No significant differences have been determined between the levels of excellent performance in sports and the branches of sports. A significant difference was found between the personality traits of athletes and the variable of encouraging sports. A significant difference was determined between the excellent performance of athletes in sports and the variable of encouraging sports. It has been determined that the excellent performance of the athletes in sports is at a medium level and their personality traits are at a high level. Athletes who train between 5-6 hours a week and whose sports branch is swimming are found to be more compatible as a personality, have a responsibility, are more open to innovations and new experiences, are more friendly and warm-blooded. It has been observed that the athletes who started sports with the encouragement of their father adapt to social life faster and are more compatible. It has been determined that the athletes who were encouraged by their friends to do sports have higher levels of excellent performance in sports.