The present study seeks to identify impeding factors associated with academic process of federated and elite athletes in Chile, especially within the discipline of Rowing. A descriptive, observational, exploratory, cross-sectional study was used. The type of sampling applied was non-probabilistic, intentional, or for convenience, which considered 13 male athletes and 6 female athletes medalists in the recent Pan American games, Lima 2019. A questionnaire was used, previously submitted to content, consistency and normality tests. It definitely concluded that the concern about some impeding factors that occur in the academic field, affect sports performance. This does not allow them the necessary focus and tranquility that guarantees optimizing their abilities in academic and sport fields. The results contribute to the growth and innovation plans of higher education institutions, and specifically to the reinforcement of public policies, considering the current context of social transformation that the country is experiencing.