Abstract
Motivation is one of the key factors determining the initiation and maintenance of physical activity, and its structure
is closely related to the level of engagement and satisfaction derived from sports participation. In the academic
environment, where sport fulfi lls both educational and health-promoting functions, intrinsic motives such as
self-improvement, the need for belonging, and personal development are of particular importance. Swimming, as
a sport requiring systematic training, self-control, and perseverance, provides an interesting context for the analysis
of sports motivation.
The study involved 42 university students (24 women and 18 men) aged 18–25 years who trained in swimming
sections of the Academic Sports Association (AZS) at universities in Kraków, Poland. The Why Do You Practice Sport?
Questionnaire developed by P. C. Terry and A. Fowles, adapted into Polish by S. Sterkowicz, was used to assess participants’
motivational profi les.
The results indicated that the dominant motivational factors were the pursuit of physical fi tness and good health,
the sense of belonging, and the need for independence, whereas the need for aggression obtained the lowest
scores. No statistically signifi cant diff erences were found between women and men. However, the importance of
health-related motivation increased with age. Among women, training experience was positively correlated with
the pursuit of excellence and intrinsic success.
These fi ndings highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation in maintaining university students’ engagement in
sport and suggest that academic sport plays a signifi cant role in fostering health-oriented attitudes and personal
self-development.