It’s a common belief that it requires 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill, but studies suggest that not everyone possesses the innate talent required to become an Olympian or Paralympian. While practice can enhance performance, genetic factors impacting both physical strength and cognitive abilities likely distinguish between “good” and “great” athletes.
An analysis conducted in 2016 revealed that only 18% of an athlete’s sports performance can be attributed to practice. For athletes competing at the international level, this percentage drops to just 1 percent.
The success in sports is also influenced by factors beyond one’s control, such as birth timing. For instance, in the 2010-11 UEFA Youth Football Tournament, 43% of players were born between January and March (earlier in the selection period). Only 9% of players were born between October and December.
Older children who start school may have a physical advantage over their younger peers in terms of size, strength, and confidence. However, many sports psychologists argue that any birth month advantage is also influenced by social factors, such as how teachers perceive a child’s abilities.
Contrary to the belief that starting early is vital, research indicates that excessive specialization at a young age can be detrimental. For instance, a Danish study demonstrated that elite athletes chose their specialization later in life and underwent less training during their early years compared to near-elite athletes. What sets elite athletes apart is their increased training intensity during their late teenage years.
Therefore, the most effective approach to becoming an Olympian may involve exploring a range of interests as a child and then focusing on activities where natural talent and enjoyment are evident.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
