How do you guide young athletes towards elite sporting success?

Brussels, 30/10/2026 – The road to an Olympic podium rarely follows a straight line, and a holistic approach in which physical and mental health, as well as enjoyment, take centre stage is crucial in turning a young talent into a sustainable elite athlete. This is the conclusion of a large-scale study by the VUB.

With the opening of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar on 30 October 2026, the question of how we can best support the elite sports talent of the future is firmly in the spotlight. In an extensive review study, researcher Kari Descheemaeker brought together the findings of 60 scientific reviews on talent identification and development. The results show that an effective youth sports policy is a complex interplay between the individual child, the specific sport, and the social environment. The principle of ‘fun, fitness and fundamentals’ forms the foundation, with inclusivity and room for development at one’s own pace being essential to prevent early dropout or burnout. Early specialisation can, in fact, be counterproductive in some sports. In addition, the guidance of young athletes requires specific pedagogical and emotional skills from coaches and close alignment with the surrounding environment, such as parents and school.

“Inclusivity within the sport support system is crucial; children must be given the space to develop at their own pace,” explains researcher Kari Descheemaeker (SPLISS - VUB). “Our research highlights that a successful elite athlete at senior level is first and foremost a young athlete who remains physically and mentally healthy and does not lose their enjoyment of sport. A coach who excels with adults does not automatically possess the necessary skills to work with young people. This research serves as a scientifically grounded guide for policymakers to invest resources in a more targeted and intelligent way.”

The findings redefine youth sports policy by moving away from a rigid focus on rapid performance and early specialisation. They provide policymakers and sports federations with an evidence-based framework for organising talent development in a more sustainable, healthier and more effective way for the long term.