Excellence In Sports Research Articles

S02-3: Slovenian Approach to Enhance Physical Activity Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract Purpose These policy documents foster physical activity and sports that empowers every individual, regardless of their age, health status, or background, to lead healthier, more active lives. Methodology was based on desk research, analysis and synthesis of Slovenian policy documents. Policy Description In Slovenia, policy documents significantly influence the landscape of physical activity and sports, reflecting the nation's commitment to a healthier and more active society for all, including vulnerable populations. The National Sports Program (2014-2023), outlines a strategic direction for sports development, with a focus on enhancing participation and excellence in sports. This program affects a wide range of populations, including children, adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic diseases. The National Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme (2015-2025), places strong emphasis on the importance of nutrition and physical activity in improving public health and overall well-being. The impact of this program extends to all citizens, with a particular emphasis on children, pregnant women, adults, and individuals with chronic diseases. 3. The Strategy for the Health of Children and Adolescents (2012; still ongoing), prioritizes the well-being of young generations by considering their environment, including opportunities for physical activity. This strategy primarily targets children and adolescents, addressing concerns related to obesity, health inequalities, and chronic non-communicable diseases. The Action Programme for Persons with Disabilities (2022-2030), promotes accessibility to sports and physical activities for individuals with disabilities. Strategic plan for the Development of the Cycling Network with Action Plan (Acceptance Predicted in 2024), aims to enhance active transportation options and promote physical activity, including people with disabilities. The National Diabetes Prevention and Care Development Programme (2020-2030), have a significant impact on raising awareness about health and physical activity, primarily targets residents with diabetes and those at risk. 7. The National Cancer Control Programme (2022-2026), focusing on prevention and care. Conclusion The impact of these policies extends to children, adults, and vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities and chronic non-communicable diseases. These policies create a framework that empowers all citizens, regardless of age or health status, to lead healthier, more active lives.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KAYUNGA DISTRICT IN UGANDA. A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Background: Academic achievement can be defined as excellence in all academic disciplines, in class as well as extracurricular activities. It includes excellence in sports, behavior, confidence, communication skills, punctuality, assertiveness, Arts, Culture, and the like. The study aims to analyze the student’s academic performance in the last 5 years in selected secondary schools of Kayunga district in Uganda. Methodology: In this study, the researcher used a descriptive survey design, used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. study population of 211 respondents included the DEO, head teachers, teachers, and Students. Results: 60% of the headteachers strongly disagreed that Schools in our district have been ranked among the top schools in the country in terms of academic performance.100% of the headteachers disagreed that there have been few students scoring Division 9 in most secondary schools for the past 10 years. 78% of the teachers disagreed that schools have had very many numbers of students scoring Division 1 for the past 5 years. 88% of the students disagreed that most students who complete the Advanced level have had a chance of obtaining government sponsorships in different public universities. Conclusion: Schools in Kayunga district have had very few numbers of students scoring Division 1 for the past 5 years; many students were scoring Division 9 in most secondary schools for the past 10 years; schools in the district have been ranked among the least performing schools in the country in terms of academic performance. Recommendation: School managers should adverse means to improve academic performance, especially poor grades. For example, staff motivation, student motivation, remedial teaching, and constant supervision.

Two concepts of sporting excellence

ABSTRACT This paper deals with the question of whether nature sports are to be counted among the (traditional) sports and Kevin Krein’s recent argument, based on sporting excellence, as to why they should. Krein argues that sports as such are ultimately about sporting excellence and because both so-called traditional sports and nature sports fulfil that criterion, nature sports belong in the sport domain. Here, I show that Krein’s argument rests on an equivocation between two concepts of sporting excellence. Sporting excellence in traditional sports is connected to sporting success. Here agon (contest or competition) dictates or frames areté (striving for excellence). This is not the case for sporting excellence in nature sports, as these are not competitions. We are dealing with two different concepts of sporting excellence and Krein’s argument, based on sporting excellence, must be rejected. It gives no basis for including nature sports in the sport domain.

Future Scenario of Faculty of Physical Education Thailand National Sports University in the Next Decade (2023-2032)

Purpose: To study the possible future scenarios in educational management of Faculty of Physical Education Thailand National Sports University in the next decade (2023-2032)
 
 Theoretical framework: The educational management theory.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: EDFR (Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research) by utilizing a mixed-method research. In the quantitative phase was characterized by an initial quantitative phase of data collection by the questionnaire with 17 participants with the purposive sampling, and analyzed through Median and Interquartile Range. In the qualitative phase, the 17 experts participated in focus group, and analyzed by the content analysis.
 
 Findings: The results of the quantitative phase identified the 9 aspects, and 80 components which were as follows; 1) Characteristics and competencies of graduates. 2) Curriculum and teaching and learning. 3) Research and innovation. 4) Administration. 5) Academic services. 6) Fostering art and culture. 7) Information technology. 8) Facility. 9) Excellence in sports. The qualitative data verified the result from the quantitative phase, and confirmed that the research result can be practiced in the real life situations.
 
 Research, practical & social implications: The study can be used for being as the guildline of the possible future scenarios in educational management of Faculty of Physical Education Thailand National Sports University in the next decade (2023-2032)
 
 Originality/Value: The value of the study can apply for creating the action plan of the Thailand National Sports University action.

Instructional Leadership Best Practices in Coaching toward Bukit Jalil Sports School Excellence

Instructional leadership is a model that is often used in managing and administrating a school to influence, guide, and motivate teachers and students towards school excellence. Diverse family backgrounds, religion, and race are significant challenges for coaches and Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) administrators to spur student athletes' excellence in sports. Therefore, the purpose of this write-up is to share the best practices in BJSS from the aspects of; i- monitoring and assessment of coaches' and student athletes’ performance ii- producing excellent coaches with calibre in their sports iii- applying of 3R element among coaches iv- consolidation of spiritual component among student-athletes. Implementing best practices is based on a few strategies, including centralised documentation, executing the lead by example concept, empowering sports coaching, concentration in sports development programs, internationalisation with sports excellence centres from overseas, and self-empowerment in student-athletes. This paper produced four aspects of best practices with the implementation of some programs, which are; a standard and organised documentation system, yearly training program presentations, coaching mentoring program, workshops by Master Coaches, specific sports skills clinic, development of training modules, international sports collaboration program and spiritual based program. The impact of these programs will be able to optimise students' outcomes, enhance the coaching profession and produce student-athletes with principles and identities. This achievement is aligned with aspirations stated in Wave 3 of National Education Blueprint 2013-2025, which drives Sekolahku SEJAHTERA.

Olympic Data Analysis using Data Science

Abstract: The Olympic games are international sports events with more than 200 nations participating in various competitions. The Sportspersons from various countries participate in competitions and make their countries proud of their excellence in sports. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the Olympic dataset using python to compare overall performance of countries and to evaluate the contribution of each country in the Olympics. These analyses will give deeper insight into the performance of countries in Olympics over the years and helps sportspersons to quickly analyze their own and the competitor’s performance. In this paper, the exploratory data analysis techniques are used to provide comparison between performance of various countries and the contribution of each country in the Olympics. Visualization of Olympics dataset in many aspects provides the status of countries in Olympics and helps countries with poor performance to produce quality players and improve nation’s performance in Olympics. Despite a lot of hard work, many countries or players are unable to perform well during the events and grab medals whereas there are many countries that perform very well in the event and secure many medals. An analysis needs to be done by each country to evaluate the previous statistics which will detect the mistakes which they have done previously and will also help them in future development. Visualization of the data over various factors will provide us with the statistical view of the various factors which lead to the evolution of the Olympic Games and Improvement in the performance of various Countries/Players over time. The primary objective of this Research paper is to analyze the large Olympic dataset using Exploratory Data Analysis to evaluate the evolution of the Olympic Games over the years.

High physical activity and ovarian reserve: a prospective study of normo-ovulatory professional athletes

BackgroundThis study investigated whether high physical activity affects ovarian reserve in normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women.MethodsThis prospective, observational study compared 31 professional female athletes, with 31 women who did not engage in physical activity. It was conducted 2017–2020 in a tertiary medical center. Normo-ovulatory, professional athletes, ages 20–35 years were recruited from The Wingate Institute—the Israeli National Institute for Sport Excellence. They had high International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores. Non-physically active women, matched by age and body mass index, were recruited from hospital staff. Women were evaluated for ovarian reserve markers on day 2–5 of the menstrual cycle, including follicular stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, anti-Mullerian hormone and Inhibin B.ResultsThe average age of the high physical activity group was 29.9 ± 4.2 years and the nonactive group 31.6 ± 4.2 years (p = 0.062). Body mass index of both groups were similar (22.5 ± 5.0 vs. 21.4 ± 2.5, respectively; p = 0.1). No differences were observed with respect to follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.12) and anti-Mullerian hormone (p = 0.16). A trend towards higher total antral follicle count in the high physical activity group vs. the non-active group (34.5 ± 12.9 vs. 28.1 ± 15.2, p = 0.08) and lower Inhibin B (68.1 ± 36.8 vs. 89.4 ± 46.1, p = 0.05). Menarche age correlated with anti-Mullerian hormone (r = 0.387, p = 0.003), as did total antral follicle count (r = 0.368, p = 0.004). IPAQ scores and basal follicle stimulating hormone levels were negatively correlated (r = − 0.292, p = 0.005).ConclusionsAthletic, normo-ovulatory women have ovarian reserves that are at least as good as those of the general population. As this is the first study examining this issue, it could cautiously reassure women engaged in high physical activity regarding ovarian reserve.

Effect of Vinyasa Training on Dynamic Body Balance of Male National Level Yoga Players

Background. Body balance is among the most important aspects for achieving athletic excellence in competitive sports. Body balance helps in the development of proper body posture control, which supports high performance and skill demonstration across all sports. Body balance is known to be positively correlated to competitive athletic performance. In sports, good balance implies moving more efficiently and with better body control. Yoga is one of the means of improving body balance, and it has also been linked to enhancing athletic performance. Vinyasa yoga is a powerful method that targets the entire body. Navigate challenging poses to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance, especially if you want to target muscle groups that aren’t used in your preferred sport. 
 The focus of this study. To analyse the efficacy of a 6-week Vinyasa Yoga Training Programme (VYTP) in improving dynamic body balance of male national level yoga players. 
 Materials and methods. Twenty male national level yoga players (18-25 years) from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India, participated in the study. The participants were then randomly allocated into two groups, one experimental (Vinyasa) and the other control. The Sensbalance machine was used to measure the dynamic body balance. 
 Results. ANCOVA indicates a significant difference in the selected variable of dynamic body balance in the experimental group compared to the control group. When compared to the control group which did not receive any training, the post-test found that the experimental yoga group significantly improved in dynamic body balance.
 Conclusions. VTYP was found to be helpful in enhancing dynamic body balance. In the current study after six weeks of vinyasa training it was observed that the male national yoga players had a substantial difference in dynamic body balance compared to the control group.

Mediational Role of Mental Toughness on the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Prosocial/Antisocial Behavior in Elite Youth Sport.

The modeling and reinforcement of efficacy beliefs and mental toughness in sport continue to generate significant curiosity in the sport psychology research. Investigations into how these behaviors interact and, in the process, affect the development of prosocial and antisocial behaviors among youth athletes are relatively few. This is despite growing evidence of strong associations between self-efficacy beliefs, mental toughness, and various kinds of adaptive and maladaptive behaviors in sport. Therefore, this study sought to examine if mental toughness mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and prosocial/antisocial behaviors in Botswana youth athletes. The study also examined if data from Botswana fit the proposed factor structure of the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, the Self-efficacy Scale, and the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport scale. A total of 158 male (n = 81) and female (n = 77) junior secondary school and senior secondary school (middle and high school) athletes aged 14–20 years old enrolled in Centers for Sport Excellence in Botswana participated in the study. Results showed support for the factor structure of the study's measurement tools. The constancy dimension of mental toughness mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and prosocial/antisocial behavior to teammate and opponent. These findings have implications for research and practice aimed at enhancing efficacy beliefs, mental toughness, and positive youth sport experiences. Contextual relevance of this line of research and measurement tools are discussed.

P–640 High physical activity and ovarian reserve: A prospective study of normo-ovulatory professional athletes

Abstract Study question Is high physical activity (HPA) associated with low ovarian reserve in normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women? Summary answer HPA does not affect ovarian reserve negatively. What is known already HPA is associated with menstrual irregularities and subsequent potential infertility, probably through hypothalamic neuroendocrine pathways. However, it is not yet known whether HPA influences the ovarian reserves of normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women. Study design, size, duration This observational, cross-sectional study compared 30 professional female athletes who were engaged in HPA for at least 3 years prior to study recruitment, with high International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores and 30 women who did not engage in physical activity. The study was conducted at a tertiary medical center from 2017–2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods Physically active, normo-ovulatory women (n = 30), ages 20–35 years were recruited from The Wingate Institute, the Israeli National Institute for Sport Excellence. Non-physically active women (n = 30), matched by age and BMI to the HPA group, were recruited from the hospital staff. Both groups were evaluated for ovarian reserve markers on day 2–5 of the menstrual cycle, including follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B. Main results and the role of chance The average age of the athletes (HPA group) was 30.1±2.1 years and of the nonactive (control) group 31.6±3.8 years (p = 0.071). BMI of the 2 groups was similar (22.6±2.4 vs. 21.3±2.6; p = 0.075) for the HPA and control groups, respectively. Regarding ovarian reserve, no significant differences were observed between the HPA group and the control group with respect to FSH (p = 0.304), AFC (p = 0.27), AMH (0.507) or Inhibin B (p = 0.074). For the HPA group, older age at menarche was positively associated with AFC (p = 0.008) and AMH (p = 0.009) and not with FSH levels (p = 0.313). For the nonactive group, no significant association between age at menarche and FSH levels, AFC or AMH was found (p = 0.433, p = 0.274 and p = 0.163, respectively). Additionally, for the HPA group, duration of physical activity per week (hours) was not significantly associated with FSH levels, AFC or AMH (p = 0.619, p = 0.608 or p = 0.997, respectively). Limitations, reasons for caution Although we investigated the ovarian reserves of 30 women engaged in HPA, a larger cohort would provide more information. Information on diet and sleep habits was not evaluated and may result in some confounding. Moreover, it would be more informative if we also followed these women regarding fecundability and fertility. Wider implications of the findings: This study demonstrated that HPA may not negatively affect ovarian reserve markers. These findings may provide reassurance for women who are engaged in HPA and attempting pregnancy. Further research needs s to be confuted. Trial registration number 0247–16

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF EXCELLENCE IN THE SPORT OF HIGHER ACHIEVEMENTS AS A COMPONENT OF THE SUCCESS OF THE ATHLETE

The article raises one of the urgent problems in modern sports of the highest achievements - the problem of psychological support for the superiority of athletes. Considered as one of the priority directions of state policy. Modern sport is distinguished by a significant intensity of training loads, a reduction in time limits in the preparation of athletes, a great personal responsibility, both a coach and an athlete for the result in competitions of various levels. All of these factors affect the mental state of the athlete. In this connection, disturbances in the stability of the neuropsychic state, psycho-emotional lability and tension, and low resistance to stress may appear. It is obvious that there is a need for psychological support of athletes at all stages of sports activity in order to form stress resistance, an active life position, a competitive and healthy personality. Excellence in sports is considered as the achievement of high sports results, the peak of skill in sports activities, as well as the achievement of the athlete's superiority in setting and implementing the goal, the sports activity itself and to ensure the quality of the sports process as an end result. In our opinion, psychological support in elite sports is a system for managing the processes of an athlete's personality development, mental states, processes of social behavior, adaptation of an athlete to the end of a sports professional career, as well as a study of the psychological patterns of mental improvement in the process of sports formation. Psychological support of athletes at different stages of the development of a sports career is an important component of the activity of a sports psychologist and includes the following areas: primary psychological diagnostics; psychodiagnostic control; psychological correction; psychological counseling of athletes, their parents (if necessary), coaches.

Common Myelin Regulatory Factor Gene Variants Predisposing to Excellence in Sports.

In all sport disciplines, excellent coordination of movements is crucial for achieving mastery. The ability to learn new motor skills quickly and effectively is dependent on efficient myelination which varies between individuals. It has been suggested that these differences may play a role in athletic performance. The process of myelination is under transcriptional control by Myelin Regulatory Factor (MYRF) as well as other transcription factors (SOX10 and OLIG2). We analyze a panel of 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the frequencies of common variants of MYRF, SOX10 and OLIG2 genes in professional athletes compared to non-athletes. No significant differences were detected after correction for multiple testing by false discovery rate (FDR) for any of the models tested. However, some deviations from the expected distribution was found for seven SNPs (rs174528, rs139884, rs149435516 and rs2238001, rs7943728, rs61747222, and rs198459). The MYRF alleles rs7943728 and rs61747222 showed a correlation with the level of sport achievement among the athletes. Even though the athletes did not differ from the non-athlete controls in the distribution of most SNPs analyzed, some interesting differences of several variants were noted. Presented results indicate that genetic variants of MYRF and SOX10 could be genetic factors weakly predisposing for successful athletic performance.

ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE WORLD STRONGEST BELT WRESTLERS

International potential and consequent greater competition in belt wrestling increase the significance of assessing quantitative and qualitative indicators of competitive activity of the strongest wrestlers in the world. It is important to identify the sport development trends and to search for effective ways and tools for achievement of the sport excellence. Purpose: to reveal the features of efficient competitive activities of the world leading wrestlers on the basis of analysis of group differences in technical and tactical excellence indicators. Materials and methods of research. We analyzed videos of 285 events with participation of 197 wrestlers competing at the Belt Wrestling World Championship 2019 in Kazan. We registered the following indicators of competitive activity: the total and average number of fighting techniques, including techniques executed to the right and to the left side within 4 minutes of combat; number and types of technical actions of competition winners among men and women. Research results and discussion. The paper focuses on the comparative analysis of technical and tactical skills of men and women, the winners of the Belt Wrestling World Championship. The research revealed distinguishing features of the winner’s technical toolkit including the diversity of technical and tactical actions, a balance in the knowledge of the right and left-handed techniques. At the same time, the analysis of technical and tactical actions in women wrestling shows the backlog of female athletes in these components of technical fitness.

Special features of academic and sports motivation of students engaged and not engaged in sports

The paper provides results of research on academic and sports motivation of student-athletes and students who do not participate in sports. The study was carried out in the period from May 2019 to February 2020 in Perm State University. It engaged 140 students: 70 involved in sports and 70 not involved. The average age of the interviewees was M = 19.85. The following methods were used to study the students’ educational and sports motivation: Self-Efficacy Scale (as adapted by D.S. Kornienko, A.Ya. Fominykh); Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise (as adapted by D.S. Kornienko, A.Ya. Fominykh); Sports Motivation Scale (as adapted by D.S. Kornienko, A.Ya. Fominykh); Scale of Academic Motivation (as adapted by T.O. Gordeeva). The results of the study show that students who are not involved in sports have more pronounced types of academic motivation, such as cognitive and achievement motivation. Student-athletes are more strongly motivated than non-athletic students in such types of motivations as positive emotions, improvement, learning, achievement, approval. Student-athletes have a higher level of sportsmanship and overall self-efficacy than non-athletic students. Some correlations between sports and academic motivation within groups have been found. In the group of student-athletes, a negative correlation was found between the motivation for excellence in sports and the motivation for self-esteem in learning. As for non-athletic students, external motivation is linked to approval motivation. The positive correlation of achievement motivation with emotions and cognition has been established.

A review of relation between molecular, genetics polymorphism and athlete performance

Genetic markers including several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been interrelated with athlete capacity, strength and an overall increase in sport potential. This review study aimed to identify genetic association with athlete's assessment and how these impacted their performance. The studies were summarized by existing literature on molecular and genetic polymorphism, which could affect the performance of an athlete. A diverse of genetic polymorphisms and outlines have been proposed to support athletic excellence in sports. The findings are recorded with observation-based analysis of various studies. The possibility of inherited traits that might be contemplated for aptitude identification comprised by body size attribute, distinctive muscle, proportionality and maturation onset. In conclusion, the use of molecular and genetic polymorphism identification may act as an aiding tool for talent spotting and sports selection, as well as constructing regimen for youth athletes.

Competitive activity of elite female tennis players on courts with different cover types

The purpose is to identify and compare the indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite fe- male tennis players during competitive matches on courts with various covers. Methods and organization of the research. We used the following methods of research: 1) educational observa- tion using stenographic record of each shot and timing of each point; 2) methods of mathematical statistics. The recording of competitive matches was held at Grand Slam tournaments and at other major international competitions played on courts with "slow" and "fast" cover. We recorded and analyzed 53 matches. It was im- portant to solve two problems – to get quantitative indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite female athletes during matches on courts with various covers and to compare them. In order to have the right to compare, it was necessary to make sure that there was no difference in the excellence level of female tennis players who took part in the competition. For this purpose, we calculated the rating of pairs and the difference of player ratings in each pair. We selected the pairs with no significant excellence difference who took part in the same tournaments with various court covers. We selected 20 matches on each cover type. Research results. Comparative analysis of obtained data resulted in identification of significant difference of all indicators of external parameters of load experienced during matches on "fast" and "slow" courts. Conclusion. The authors come to the conclusion that the study results can be used in adjustment of training process plans for athletes during preparation for tournaments on "fast" and "slow" covers at the stages of sport perfection and sport excellence, in lectures for sport university students and coaches at advanced training courses, and in writing qualification papers.

Assessment of speed-strength abilities of ski-racers in the training process

The purpose – perfection of the technology for controlling the speed-strength abilities of ski-racers based on the data received with the Myotest PRO accelerometer (Switzerland). Research methods and organization. The study involved 124 cross-country skiers at different stages of sport training. Assessment of the speed-strength abilities of lower extremity muscles of skiers was carried out using the Myotest PRO accelerometer (Switzerland). Research results. The dynamics of changes in the speed-strength abilities of the lower extremity muscles indi- cates a decrease in the speed component of the power of skiers at the beginning of the sport excellence stage. Conclusion. The study revealed the informative character of the jumping tests based on the data received with the "Myotest PRO" accelerometer (Switzerland), which aimed at the exploration of speed-strength abilities of lower extremity muscles of skiers. Differentiated assessment of speed-strength components of the exercise intensity helps to assess strong and weak points of physical fitness of skiers and to adjust the training process.

Athletic Antagonism in Wilkie Collins’s Man and Wife

ABSTRACTWilkie Collins’s Man and Wife (1870) has notoriously been criticised by both Victorian and contemporary reviewers for its seeming oversimplified antagonism toward athleticism and sport. However, Man and Wife provides profound insights into the debates and anxieties of the time regarding the cultivation of physical prowess in conjunction with British imperialism. Collins’s antagonism represents a view into Victorian discourse on the unprecedented vogue of athleticism, which made England the first modern sporting nation. This essay argues that Collins became a representative antagonist against athleticism due to his concerns about the decline of intelligence, morality, and even health combined with a concern about the popularity of amateur sports, which served as a means to segregate class. Collins’s controversial portrayal of an aristocrat’s excellence in sports was a warning against elite athleticism, which went against the Victorian current of class mobility. Analysing discourses on athleticism in Victorian periodicals and magazines, this essay offers insights into the shifting contours of sporting ethos and class identity in mid- to late Victorian society and into British endeavours to strengthen its economic and national power by adopting an innovative practice of athleticism.

The talent quest – comment on Baker & Wattie

Explaining exceptional human performance remains problematic. Baker & Wattie (2018) explored the value of innate talent as underlying cause for excellence in sports. Although the absence of the influence of biological genetic influences cannot be confirmed or rejected, it is recommended to discuss this topic while taking into account the time-depending sport-specific context. Moreover, if, as Baker & Wattie (2018) concluded, the concept of talent has limited utility to the world of sport, the use of the predicate ‘talent’ might better be reconsidered in practice.

Suspendovana moralnost u sportu

Although sport can promote moral values and prosocial behavior in youth, numerous research shows that sports engagement alone does not guarantee that outcome. Instead of striving for fair-play and sport excellence which not exclude justness, solidarity and moral integrity, contemporary sport frequently follows the Lombardian ethic, where "winning isn't everything, it's the only thing". Moral pause or bracketed morality, as described in sport, refers to the phenomenon of tolerance and acceptance of aggressive behavior or cheating, that will be morally condemned outside sports arenas. Accordingly, lower levels of moral reasoning and behavior have been identified in athletes and non-athletes in the sports-related situation in comparison to other life situations; in athletes when compared to non-athletes, in more experienced athletes, high-level athletes, team-sport athletes, and male athletes. Moral reasoning and behavior of athletes are influenced by contextual and personal factors, with coaches having a particularly important role to play. The positive influence of sport on the moral development of athletes might be related to pre-service and in-service education of coaches how to develop adequate moral atmosphere, and how to plan for moral decision-making as an integral part of everyday practice.