Young athletes training at the highest levels may be facing more than just physical hurdles. New research from Austria highlights that mental strain, burnout, and self-doubt are taking a toll on the next generation of sporting talent.

A pilot survey of 63 adolescent elite athletes at an Austrian sports school revealed a strikingly high burden of burnout, with many students reporting feelings of exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and questioning the value of their sporting careers.

The study, which used the German Athlete Burnout Questionnaire and a series of risk factor questions, found that students who spent more hours training and still envisioned a future in professional sport showed lower levels of burnout. In contrast, those considering quitting, struggling with recurring injuries, or feeling intense achievement pressure reported the highest burnout scores.

Researchers say the findings suggest a feedback loop where doubts about future prospects, sense of opportunity, and self-belief interact with physical and emotional stressors to amplify burnout symptoms.

The study’s results offer a warning to coaches and schools about the unseen pressures facing young athletes. While discipline and ambition remain crucial, supporting young people’s mental resilience and helping them find meaning in their efforts could be just as important for long-term success in sport.