Factors affecting the development of talent identification athletes

While some talent identification athletes transition successfully into elite sport, others identified through the same process and developed in the same environment do not. Case-matched comparative analyses revealed that development of elite talent identified sprint kayakers was distinguished by ongoing progress and psycho-behavioural factors including ‘fire in the belly’, perseverance, adaptability, commitment, and enjoyment. Kayakers at the same phase of talent development were influenced by different factors depending on their age, with open age kayakers pursuing an Olympic dream, and juniors, a desire to travel. This research aimed to contribute to talent identification and development literature and practice.