Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of pre-competition anxiety with performance and demographic variables of track and field athletes. Methods and materials: The study design of this study was a cross-sectional survey design. The sample size of the study was all track and field athletes (207) who participated in East Gojam Zonal level athletics Championships, 2022. The data collection tool used in the study was the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI2). Results: Athletes’ pre-competition anxiety level revealed a negative high correlation between pre-competition anxiety and performance (cognitive anxiety sub scale: rho = 0.-85, p < 0.01, Somatic anxiety sub scale: rho = -0.74, p < 0.001, self-confidence: rho =0.-69, p < 0.05 and total SCAI score: rho = -0.72, p < 0.05). Regarding gender difference, female athletes have a higher cognitive anxiety (Mean = 26.78) compared to male athletes (Mean = 22.8). Short distance athletes had more pre-competition anxiety levels than other groups significantly (cognitive anxiety: F = 7.15, df = 3, p < 0.001; somatic anxiety: F = 8.67, df = 3, p < 0.001 and self-confidence: F = 3.79, df = 3, p < 0.05). There were significant differences with regard to the training year in sport (cognitive anxiety, p = 0.000; somatic anxiety; p < 0.001; self- confidence, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Generally, pre-competition anxiety level was moderate, closely related to the athlete’s performance, being more significantly associated with females, youngsters, short distance athletes, low educational level and less experienced athletes in training as well as competitions.
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