The relevance of the study of the features of self-realization in sports is related to the socio-economic policy of the state focused on the development of professional sports. After the unsuccessful performances of Kazakhstani athletes at international competitions (Tokyo-2021 and Beijing-2022 Olympics), the issue of self-realization of Kazakhstani athletes is acute.

The problem field of the study is set by comparing the features of self-realization of professional athletes, amateur athletes and Paralympic athletes. The purpose of the article is to study the self-realization of the individual in sports activities, as well as to determine the differences in the components of self-realization among athletes of the three studied categories.

For the study, a multidimensional questionnaire of self-realization of the personality by S.I. Kudinov.

The results showed that there were differences in the development of some components of self–realization in athletes of the three categories studied: dynamic, emotional and cognitive components, as well as in the development of types of self-realization - social self-realization.