Which motivation would best describe an athlete's desire to win a medal?

The desire to win a medal is best described as extrinsic motivation because it is driven by external rewards and recognition. Athletes are often motivated by the tangible outcome of winning a medal, which represents achievement and status in their sport. This type of motivation typically involves external factors such as awards, praises, or competition results, providing individuals with a clear, external goal to strive for.

In contrast, intrinsic motivation stems from internal satisfaction and personal fulfillment gained from participating in the sport itself, such as enjoyment or mastery of skills, rather than external rewards. Situational motivation can fluctuate based on circumstances or the environment but does not specifically pertain to the enduring goal of winning medals. Fear-based motivation relies on the anxiety of not succeeding or facing negative consequences, which is not relevant to the constructive aim of winning a medal. Hence, the drive for a medal aligns logically and clearly with the concept of extrinsic motivation.