Early excellence and future performance advantage

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306134
• Publication Date: 2024-06-25T18:59:20Z
• Authors: Tiantian Wang; Yaping Zhong; Xin Wei
• Keywords: Excellence; Elite Athletes

Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the impact athletes achieving excellence at different ages (excellent age) on their subsequent performance development. aim deepen understanding interplay among talent, training, and athletes’ Additionally, aimed provide insights for athletics coaches better identify talent devise more effective personalized long-term training plans. Design This a cross-sectional study. Method A hierarchical linear model employed analyze correlation between excellent age development in cohort 775 elite track field athletes. analysis expanded upon by application general regression model, which used explore relationship peak age, performance, as well growth during adulthood. Results As reached later ages, exhibited U-shaped pattern(p <0.001), initially decreasing then rising. Simultaneously, became increasingly advanced(p with progressively larger improvement adulthood(p <0.001). In various disciplines, is negatively correlated speed athletes(p = 0.025), exhibiting pattern endurance 0.024), showing no significant fast-power 0.916). Conclusions Athletes who achieve either early or often show remarkable future developments. However, there are distinctions these reach pace leading up it. Those excel may possess greater innate athletic whereas those exhibit superior adaptability. Consequently, an athlete’s can predict his/her trajectory, offering support individualized summary, bring advantages implies that we should harness differences uncover each maximum potential.