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Higher, Faster, Further: Performance Heterogeneity and Social Facilitation in Professional Track and Field

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  • Finn Spilker

Abstract

To explore the effects of COVID-19-related spectator variations on elite track and field athletes, the current article measures individual outcomes according to World Athletics Scores and then leverages these measures in fixed effects regression models to gauge athletes’ performance. Using a dataset of 5284 observations over 6 years and controlling for athlete, venue, and discipline fixed effects, as well as competition characteristics, we address task complexity and task experience. Thereby, we establish that field (in more complex tasks) but not track athletes (in simpler tasks) benefit from spectator exclusion. Furthermore, younger rather than older (more experienced) track athletes benefit from the lack of spectators, implying that experienced athletes handle social pressure better.

Suggested Citation

  • Finn Spilker, 2025. "Higher, Faster, Further: Performance Heterogeneity and Social Facilitation in Professional Track and Field," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 26(3), pages 268-289, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:26:y:2025:i:3:p:268-289
    DOI: 10.1177/15270025241289403
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    References listed on IDEAS

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