EXPLORING THE PATH TO SUCCESS OF FOUR BLACK CANADIAN ATHLETES FROM THE 1980s to 2017 GREGORY MAPP SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF EDUCATION NIPISSING UNIVERSITY SCHULICH SCHOOL OF EDUCATION NORTH BAY, ONTARIO © December 2018 iii Abstract The purpose of this study was to understand what has led to the success at the highest levels for some Black Canadian athletes. Specifically, what are the similarities and/or differences between and among these athletes that has led some to the pinnacle of success and others to not so fortunate circumstances? Through an investigation of 4 Black Canadian athletes, qualities, characteristics, factors, circumstances, and/or conditions were grouped, examined and the findings subsequently supported by my own personal experiences as a Black Canadian athlete in an attempt to understand what has contributed to the success at the highest levels for some Black Canadian athletes and not for others. My qualitative study revealed many similar and dissimilar qualities, characteristics, and factors that contributed to the successes of the 4 Black Canadian Athletes studied. The interpretation and analysis of the data collected divulged the following emergent themes: introduction to their particular sport, motivation, determination, challenges the athletes faced, the “IT factor”, and, a strong belief in themselves. The study concludes with some considerations for future study and suggestions to increase awareness, initiate discussion, and educate and encourage coaches, young Black athletes, and potential researchers on the Black Canadian athlete. iv Acknowledgements DR. HEATHER RINTOUL for your support, encouragement, guidance, wisdom, understanding, patience, and belief DR. LILIAN HRABCHAK for seeing in me what I did not long before others (including myself) did, being the exemplary educational example that you preached to your students, and the resulting inspiration you are to many of us fortunate to have been taught by you Mummy for your vision, planting the seed, providing the opportunity, and insistence to not settle Gran Gran for your example of faith, hope, strength, and perseverance Mama for me being one of the lucky many you have nurtured and for whom you have provided a stable home NANCY for your unconditional love and support that continues to enable us CARTER and JoJo for making me want to be the best I can be so that you will one day … v Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... v CHAPTER ONE: ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY ............................................................... 1 Introduction to My Topic ............................................................................................................ 1 Context for the Study .................................................................................................................. 2 Overarching Question ................................................................................................................. 3 Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 3 Motivation for the Study ............................................................................................................. 4 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................... 5 Study Rationale ........................................................................................................................... 5 Determination of My Topic ........................................................................................................ 6 I Situate Myself in the Study ...................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................. 7 Black Canadian Athletes (Post-1984 Olympics) ........................................................................ 7 The Origin and Cultural Background of the Black Canadian Athlete ...................................... 13 Immigration and the Transition of the Black Canadian Athlete ............................................... 13 Early Indications of Elite Athletic Success ............................................................................... 15 Success leading to further success ............................................................................................ 17 Race and the Black Canadian Athlete ....................................................................................... 18 vi Summary ................................................................................................................................... 19 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY and METHOD ............................................................ 21 Research Methodology ............................................................................................................. 21 Ethnography .............................................................................................................................. 22 Examining a Culture ................................................................................................................. 22 Auto-ethnography ..................................................................................................................... 23 Auto-ethnography as Methodology .......................................................................................... 24 Case Study as Method ............................................................................................................... 24 I Situate Myself in the Methodology and Method .................................................................... 25 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. 28 Participant Selection Criteria .................................................................................................... 28 Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 29 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 30 Forthcoming in Chapter Four ................................................................................................... 31 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA INTERPRETATION and ANALYSIS ............................................. 32 The Athletes: Who Are They? .................................................................................................. 34 The Legend: Data Interpretation and Analysis ......................................................................... 36 Anomalies in the Data ............................................................................................................... 67 The Destination and its Meaning .............................................................................................. 68 Bringing it all together to Explore Meaning ............................................................................. 68 vii Summary ................................................................................................................................... 73 CHAPTER FIVE: FINAL DISCUSSION: A return to the literature, study results, subsequent reflections, and closing thoughts................................................................................................... 75 Discussing the Results .............................................................................................................. 76 Reflections ................................................................................................................................ 80 My Final Thoughts .................................................................................................................... 85 References ..................................................................................................................................... 87 viii CHAPTER ONE: ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY In the first chapter of this Master’s Research Paper, I introduce my topic, and then provide a context for the study. I then situate myself in the study and offer my motivation for my research. The purpose of the study follows, as does my study rationale and the overarching question for investigation. In Chapter Two I examine the current literature on elite Black Canadian athletes, with the methodology and method to follow in Chapter Three. In Chapter Four I interpret and analyze my data. In Chapter Five, the final chapter, I include the results of my study, ideas for future research, speak to the significance of the study, and offer my final considerations. Introduction to My Topic As I watched (April 29th, 2017) a recorded telecast of the Canadian men’s 4 x 200 metre relay team winning the 2017 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World relays (Nassau, Bahamas) beating the US and Jamaica, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, I believe that I was observing a team that expected to win. Immediately after the win, Aaron Brown,