IDENTIFICATION OF TALENT IN SPORT

Abstract Dynamics of competitive performance represents an integrated indicator of both the ability of athletes and the efficacy of training. It provides information in all phases of selection and talent improvement. A study of the performance of male 100 metre sprinters showed that the internationally outstanding athletes achieved significantly better results than less successful competitors, even at the age of 15 to 18. Those whose development was faster from the point of view of performance (but not of biological maturity) were significantly more successful even in youth and adolescence. These tendencies could be demonstrated not only in the 100 metre sprint, but in other athletic events as well. Thus, the comparative analysis of performance dynamics may contribute considerably to the identification of the talent of internationally outstanding athletes.