Effect of Altitude on Athletic Performance

Abstract

Thirty national level female fencers were studied with the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and the Edwards Personal Preference Study to determine if there were distinct personality traits characteristic of champion level female fencers and if there was any correlation between personality traits and level of achievement in the 1968 National Championship. A definite fencer's personality emerged when they were compared with the national norms. In general, the competitive fencer may he described as a very reserved, self-sufficient, autonomous individual with a below-average desire for affiliation and nurturance. She has a strong need to be the very best and is an intelligent, creative, experimenting, and imaginative person. She also tends to be assertive and aggressive. An analysis of variance revealed that only one personality factor would differentiate levels of achievement. The top level competitor was significantly more dominating than the low level competitor.