PATHWAY TO ELITE ATHLETES: GIFTEDNESS AND TALENT IDENTIFICATION
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Abstract
The multifaceted process of developing high-level athletes, emphasizing the synergy between physical and mental commitment, and the necessity of long-term strategic planning. To maximize the potential of athletes for successful outcomes, In the pursuit of cultivating the utmost potential in athletes for achieving success, a comprehensive approach is essential. Merely focusing on skill or technique development is inadequate. Athletes require engagement in an appropriate and high-quality training regimen. Sports training represents an ongoing, systematically structured process with well-defined goals. This process allows for continuous monitoring and evaluation, essential for nurturing athletes towards reaching their peak potential in a structured and orderly manner. However, central to an athlete's progression is structured training, yet it's important to acknowledge the of genetic factors in determining athletic prowess. Intrinsic physical characteristics, crucial in sports requiring specific traits like height, strength, or endurance, are explored. The process of identifying and nurturing athletes with innate talents is scrutinized, with a focus on their systematic integration into training regimes, thereby enhancing their long-term development. The advantages of early recruitment of athletes displaying exceptional potential, allowing extended periods for comprehensive skill development, crucial for achieving success at elite levels. Furthermore, advocates for age-specific and sport-specific development strategies, asserting that possessing attributes aligned with one's sport is a fundamental precursor to elite performance. Consequently, offering insights into the strategies employed by coaches and sports organizations in their quest to discover and cultivate individuals who possess the potential to emerge as elite athletes on a global platform.
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