Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sustainable sports nutrition is increasingly recognized as a means of enhancing the athlete's performance while reducing negative environmental impacts, however, empirical data in the context of adolescent athletes is limited. OBJECTIVES: This study examined sport nutrition knowledge, environmental awareness, and sustainable dietary behaviors among adolescent athletes, and their associated with motivation and sports participation. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used to examine sustainable nutrition behaviors and their motivational, contextual, and social determinants. A total of 312 athletes were invited to participate, and 120 completed a structured survey (response rate: 38%). Measures included a modified Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, a validated environmental awareness subscale (α > 0.78), and a composite Sustainable Practice Score (SPS; α = 0.81). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Quantitative analyses showed that 78% of the participants reported moderate awareness of the environmental impact of food choices, and 62% had adopted at least one sustainable dietary practice. SPS was positively correlated with sports nutrition knowledge (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and environmental awareness (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that sustainable nutrition practices significantly predicted motivation (β = 0.32, p < 0.01) and participation frequency (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), with environmental awareness moderating both relationships. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived physiological benefits, social influences, and structural barriers as a key theme influencing adoption. CONCLUSION: In general, adolescent athletes demonstrated developing and context-dependent sustainable dietary behaviors shaped by nutrition knowledge, environmental awareness, and socio-cultural influences. Enhancing sustainability-oriented educational interventions within youth sport settings may support both performance-related outcomes and the development of environmental responsibility.