ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the concept of quality of life (QOL) and its possible relationship to the recovery-stress balance is discussed. More specifically, guided by a social-ecological perspective, attention is devoted to aspects of athletes’ lives that have the potential to either enhance or diminish their ability to maintain an optimal balance. The literature is representative of studies that have examined the life experiences of athletes across various training and competition contexts and cultures. Emphasis is given to research involving interviews with a variety of athletes as well as the authors’ applied experiences. Thus, the reader will encounter real-life scenarios and ‘voices’ of athletes who regularly experience the struggle of preserving their QOL in the midst of intense demands and maintaining an optimal recovery-stress balance.
