M.A. (Psychology) / A survey of the literature which concerns this study, indicated the tremendous confusion which exists in the field of Sport Psychology. Many researchers investigated various divergent factors and drew conclusions without attempting to formulate links with existing research. The lack of specific cultural research in South Africa, served as motivation for undertaking this research project.The aim of this study was to compare three groups of successful swimmers (Olympic swimmers, successful and unsuccessful provincial swimmers) in relation to certain temperament traits. The research hypothesis suggested that such traits might be the using factors for differential success levels in swimming. These traits included; Sensation Seeking, Nervous System Type, Introversion-Extraversion, and General Anxiety competitive anxiety. Self Concept was also investigated. The sample consisted of 58 competitive swimmers drawn from the 1992 South African Olympic Swimming Team, and the Eastern Transvaal and Transvaal Provincial Swimming Teams. The Olympic Team comprised the most successful group, while the remainder of the sample was subdivided into two groups (Successful and Unsuccessful Groups). The distinction was based on whether the individual swimmers had won medals and made the final of their respective races at the South African National Championships ...