“I Got Beat, and He Deserves to Win”: Image Repair Strategies Used by Athletes Who Lost Big Games

A number of researchers have analyzed the image repair strategies used by athletes who have committed deviant behavior. In stark contrast, little research has examined the image repair strategies used by athletes who have lost big games. Using Benoit’s (2015) theory of image repair, this exploratory study analyzes the image repair strategies used by 44 athletes who lost. The findings reveal that this group of athletes use an extensive amount of bolstering, defeasibility, and corrective action. The results also go beyond Benoit’s typology in a few noteworthy ways. In particular, these athletes showed deference toward their opponents and identified lessons learned. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.