Abstract
Although nations worldwide spend large sums of money on high level performances, there is a lack of scientific knowledge on the relation between international success and elite sport policies. In this paper results will be presented of an international comparative research on the factors leading to international sporting success. The elite sport policies and elite sport climate was compared in six nations (Belgium, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, Noorway and Italyl. 1090 athletes, 887 coaches and 69 performance directors have been surveyed and over 100 criteria were used to compare elite sport policies in nine policy areas or pillars, that measure the input (= financial support), the throughput (=processes) and the output (= results). It was concluded that elite sporting success is the result of investments in a blend of pillars. All nations, except Belgium, have a high score on support for the athletic career of athletes. In terms of where nations can gain a competitive advantage, they should invest in two under-developed pillars: coaching provision and talent identification and -development systems.
Translated title of the contribution | An international comparison of elite sport policies in six countries |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 20-26 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Sport en Geneeskunde |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2007 |