Talent identification in swimming: A systematic review.

Abstract

Introduction: Talent Identification (TI) programs aim to systematically identify athletes who display, or possess, the perceived greatest potential for future success within a sport context. However, despite widespread interest, there are no established criteria for how TI should be conducted in youth swimming. This review aimed to synthesise existing literature to identify methods (i.e., measures, procedures, analysis) that have been implemented as part of TI within youth swimming. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in five databases adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies were included if they examined TI and selection methods within ‘talented’ youth swimmers, aged 20 years or under. Results: Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Studies varied in the criteria applied to identify (non-) talented swimmers (e.g., competition qualification times, world record ratios). Existing studies varied in participant composition, developmental stage, performance level and events examined. Suggesting a somewhat unknown exploratory stage of research understanding, studies typically examined a range of factors (i.e., swimming [in-water] specific, individual attributes; and environmental) perceived as relating to TI. With the assessment of multiple factors at different age/stage time-points and inconsistent findings of their influence apparent, the multifactorial and dynamic nature of swim performance was supported. No consistent set of measures or factors for TI in youth swimmers were identifiable. Discussion: This review highlights how there is limited understanding as to the appropriate measures used to determine talent in youth swimming, and the key factors which underpin high-level youth swimming. Findings suggest identifying swimmers at young ages is a seemingly difficult task. Not one single factor was the best predictor of performance, adding to the difficult task of defining ‘talent’. Considering the elusive definition of ‘talent’, and the dynamic, multifactorial nature of swimming performance along with the inconsistent findings between studies in each factor, practitioners focus should be directed to talent development. Testing batteries should be designed that aim to test a wide range of swimming specific, individual, and environmental factors, providing a holistic approach to identifying swimmers. Swimmers that show some level of potential across numerous tests should be selected and placed into development squads. The primary goal then being to develop the swimmers’ skills while tracking long-term progress. This will potentially allow relatively younger swimmers, and late maturers a chance to be identified instead of being overlooked within TI programs. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.