Athlete development and coaching

Sport system research indicates that identification and development of talents is a significant factor for achieving national success in international elite sport. Consequently, research on talent development has become more and more important, especially in small countries such as Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Approaches to research talent development and youth sport differ widely. Biomedical approach focuses on the identification of biological and genetic conditions such as height, weight, body composition, composition of muscle fibers and genes, with special importance for talents. Psychosocial approaches focus on psychological and social conditions such as goal setting ability and motivation or coach-athlete relationship and parental support, which are of crucial importance for talents. Finally, several new research projects use a holistic approach focus on talent development environments, in training and competitions.

In SNE we have established a network group for athlete development and coaching with the participation of:

Astrid Schubring, Senior Lecturer, University of Gothenburg, Sweden – phone: +46 031 786 4221 – mail: astrid.schubring@gu.se
Kristian Raun Thomsen, Teaching Ass. Professor, Aarhus University, Denmark – phone: +45 40 12 30 38 – mail: thomsen@ph.au.dk
Christian Thue Bjørndal, PhD, Post doctoral research fellow, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences - phone: +47 408 98 766 - mail: christian.bjorndal@nih.no
Outi Aarresola, Researcher - Research Institute of Olympic Sports (KIHU) - phone: + 35 84 06 72 18 - mail: outi.aarresola@kihu.fi

You are welcome to contact these persons for further information on athlete development and coaching.

Revised 07.11.2023

Martin Hawkins