In a peak fitness condition? The Danish elite sports model in an international perspective: managerial efficiency and best practice in achieving international sporting success

• DOI: 10.1504/ijsmm.2010.029715
• Publication Date: 2009-12-02T07:30:42Z
• Authors: Rasmus Storm; Klaus Nielsen
• Keywords: Danish Elite Sports Model; dansk elitemodel; elite sport; International development; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 8. Economic growth; Eliteidræt; International udvikling

Purpose: According to international findings, nations today face diminishing returns on investment when it comes to elite sports. As the power struggles to win medals in international tournaments have intensified in the last couple of years, and the financial investments have increased, the market has adapted by raising the price of a medal. As a direct consequence, managerial efficiency can be a 'non-financial' tool for nations to enhance the chances of success. Taking the Danish case as a point of departure, the article addresses the Danish elite sports model with the question: 'to what extent is it suited for future challenges?' Methodology: The article is based on a research evaluation of Team Danmark conducted by the authors and provides a literature review on factors leading to international sporting success, combined with an analysis of the development of the international sporting arms race. Findings: The analysis finds the Danish elite sports organisation, Team Danmark, well prepared and fit for future challenges. Still, certain areas are in need of improvement in order to strengthen the managerial efficiency.