The athletes most likely to overconform to the norms of the sport ethic are those who see achievements as their only way to get ahead and those who have

• A. A strong need to be accepted as athletes by their peers in sports
• B. A passion for academic achievement
• C. A preference for solitary training
• D. A desire to retire early

Answer: (A)

Overconformity to the sport ethic happens when athletes buy into the idea that winning and constant success are the only ways to move ahead, and they internalize the belief that rigorous self-denial and pushing the limits are necessary. The strongest driver here is social validation—specifically, a strong need to be accepted by peers in the sport. When achievements are seen as the sole path to advancement, athletes who crave acceptance will align their behavior with the sport’s norms to maintain status and avoid rejection. That peer-acceptance motive makes them more likely to overconform, even at personal cost.

The other ideas don’t tap into that social reinforcement dynamic. Academic achievement passion doesn’t tie directly to being accepted within the sport community; solitary training reflects a method or preference rather than a social pressure to conform; and a desire to retire early is a future-oriented goal, not a present driver of conforming to sport-ethic norms.