BACKGROUND: Masters swimming is a popular lifelong activity driven by a combination of fitness, social interaction, and competitive engagement. Participants typically present self-determined motivation, strong commitment, and enjoyment of participation. Considering the recognized importance of motivation for sustained engagement and performance, we aimed to analyze the motivational profile of master swimmers by identifying the factors underlying initiation, maintenance and primary goals. METHODS: A total of 234 master swimmers completed the Sport Motivation Scale ll in response to the question "Why do you practice master swimming?". Swimmers answered to three additional questions related to motivation to start and maintaining swimming, as well as their goals. Responses were coded, grouped into broader themes and absolute frequencies were calculated. General Linear Model univariate analyses were performed with sex and age-group as fixed factors and Cronbach`s alpha coefficients assessed internal consistency. RESULTS: Master swimmers exhibited predominantly self-determined forms of motivation, with higher scores in intrinsic, integrated, and identified regulation (*4.8-5.3), indicating strong internal engagement with swimming competition. In contrast, lower scores in external regulation and amotivation (*1.5-1.7) suggest minimal influence of external pressures. Love for swimming was the most frequently reported reason for both initiating and maintaining participation. Training- and health-related motives were also common, alongside challenge, social, competition, and well-being factors, contributing to both engagement and goal setting. CONCLUSIONS: Motives reflected a combination of intrinsic enjoyment, personal development, and social involvement, with competition and training emerging as the most prominent goals, highlighting the multidimensional nature of motivation in master swimmers.
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