Exploring the Multidisciplinary Factors Affecting Sports Talent Identification

Early excellence and future performance advantage

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of athletes achieving excellence at different ages (excellent age) on their subsequent performance development. The aim was to deepen understanding of the interplay among talent, training, and athletes' performance development. Additionally, the study aimed to provide insights for athletics coaches to better identify talent and devise more effective personalized long-term training plans.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHOD

A hierarchical linear model was employed to analyze the correlation between excellent age and subsequent performance development in a cohort of 775 elite track and field athletes. This analysis was expanded upon by the application of a general linear regression model, which was used to explore the relationship between excellent age and peak age, peak performance, as well as the growth in performance during adulthood.

RESULTS

As athletes reached excellence at later ages, their peak performance exhibited a U-shaped pattern(p <0.001), initially decreasing and then rising. Simultaneously, their peak age became increasingly advanced(p <0.001), with a progressively larger performance improvement during adulthood(p <0.001). In various disciplines, excellent age is negatively correlated with peak performance for speed athletes(p = 0.025), exhibiting a U-shaped pattern for endurance athletes(p = 0.024), and showing no significant correlation for fast-power athletes(p = 0.916).

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes who achieve excellence either early or later often show more remarkable future developments. However, there are significant distinctions in the age at which these athletes reach their peak performance and the pace of improvement leading up to it. Those who excel early may possess greater innate athletic talent, whereas those who excel later may exhibit superior training adaptability. Consequently, an athlete's early performance can predict his/her future performance trajectory, offering support for individualized long-term training plans. In summary, the age at which athletes achieve excellence may bring different advantages to their future athletic performance and development. This implies that we should harness these differences to uncover each athlete's maximum potential.

Place Matters: A Study on the Influence of Birthplace and the Place of Development on Soccer Academy Players' Careers

The effect of birthplace (the place where a player is born and grows up) is one of the key variables associated with soccer player development and achievement. However, recent studies have questioned the influence of contextual variables on selection and promotion processes related to birthplace. The main purposes of this study were: (1) establish whether there is a difference between the birthplace and sporting growth according to the stages of entry into the academy, (2) to evaluate the influence of geographical and contextual variables on sporting development, and (3) assess the chances of making a professional team debut. Applied logistic regression was used in order to analyse the birthplace and growth of 1411 male soccer players, of which 40.1% are incorporated in the U-12 category from a Spanish First division club, and the results showed a statistically significant association between a change from one's birthplace to the place of sporting growth and later success (79%). Key contextual variables such as number of inhabitants, population density, proximity to sports facilities, average household income and presence of sports clubs have been considered. The analysis of the contextual variables revealed that there was a positive relationship between certain variables, like a higher population, and being selected for the academy (p < 0.01; r = 0.28). Finally, the findings showed that players who experienced a geographical transition were 38% more likely to make a professional debut. The importance of considering the place of sporting growth when analysing the "birthplace effect" has therefore been demonstrated.

Differences and relationships between talent detection, identification, development and selection in sport: A systematic review

Although there are numerous studies on talent, especially talent identification, development, and selection, both on influencing factors and model construction or talent prediction, they have relatively independently explored some of its stages. Undeniably, talent development is continuous and phased, with specific tasks to be completed at each step, and these steps have certain differences and relationships. The aim of this review is to provide a clear distinction between the entire talent cultivation process, with the purpose of having better methods and measures for each stage to minimize the turnover rate and ensure the integrity of the talent development process. Through searching the Web of Science ™ database, this review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selected were original articles in English containing data or models related to talent detection/identification/development/selection in sports. A total of 16 articles were included in the study by reviewing the literature. This overview presents the differences and relationships between the four stages of talent cultivation, where these different aspects are aim, purpose, approach, and emphasis. The relationship is characterized by continuity, progressive, complementary, and mutually. This finding shows that each stage is not developed independently, but is an integral part of the talent training process. Additionally, better differentiation and strengthening of the links between the various talent cultivation stages are considered to contribute to elite athlete development. This review highlights the differences and relationships that exist at each stage of talent cultivation. Meanwhile, some measures are also proposed to strengthen the connection of these phases and how to reduce the turnover rate of talent, which can provide theoretical references for coaches or stakeholders. Based on the results of the review, it is also recommended that future research on talent cultivation could take into account the intrinsic linkages between the various stages and develop talent training programs in a multidimensional way.

Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights

In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes' performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.