The 2012 Summer Olympics is a well anticipated event for which nations across the world are intensively training. Great Britain has taken unique measures in order to ensure it has the best possible teams representing it in the upcoming games, particularly for the sports of volleyball, basketball, and handball. The process known as systematic talent identification for tall athletic individuals has been initiated in the host city, London. Females that are 5’11” or above and males that are 6’3” or above are being encouraged to register and undergo the screening process to perhaps become a competitor in 2012.
UK Sports, a high performance sports agency, has commenced this innovative program encouraging these segmented individuals to participate, provided that they are considerably athletic and have participated in sport before. According to Chelsea Warr, UK Sport talent identification lead officer, “statistics show that typically around 1% of those that set out to become an Olympian actually make it. But in order to maximize our chances ahead of London 2012, we're asking people to take on that challenge a
nd it can start here today, simply by visiting our website." Due to the fact, that the most prestigious international athletic event will be held in London, the region wishes to produce more winners and also display an improvement in the various athletics teams, most notably in the sports aforementioned.
Systematic talent identification has proven to be successful in basketball recruitment. Members of the Dinka tribe in Africa are often procured to play the game of hoops professionally because they are on average the tallest tribe in the world. Houston Rocket's center Dikembe Mutombo initially came to America to pursue an education as he had received a medical scholarship. However, due to his height of 7’2”, coaches advised and goaded him to alter his career path. Mutombo was then molded into a center, and now enjoys a successful career as a professional athlete. South Korea has also enjoyed the success of this innovative strategy by transferring ready-made athletes to sports such as hockey and handball that better suit their physical assets. This tactic paid off as the South Koreans grabbed the gold and silver in handball, and a silver in hockey. According to the Scottish Athletic Organization, the island country “moved from 15 to 5 in the Olympic medal table between the Sydney and Athens Games, largely as a result of a targeted and systematic talent identification programs.” It usually takes approximately six to eight years to produce an elite athlete able to perform on the grand athletic stage of the Olympics, however if the athlete has already been involved in a high performance sport, this time span can be cut in half. The Sports Journalist Association writes, “so we’re now trawling through around 1,200 world class athletes we have funded who didn’t quite make it in their chosen sport, to find suitable candidates for a quick transfer. If another sport suits, their Olympic dream may well not be over.”
Systematic talent identification is not limited to individuals that are tall, but extends to those that have the physical characteristics that are ideal for a certain sport. While I must admit that “talent identification” is an avant garde and seemingly promising approach to recruitment for Olympic success, the message being conveyed by UK Sports is downright discouraging for those with other physical qualities. The specific program stipulates the recruitment of only tall individuals, th
erefore projecting a disheartening message to persons whom may not be of a lofty stature. This program may shatter the dreams of many young aspiring athletes, some of whom may actually possess the skill and talent required to perform in elite sporting events, but simply lack the height. In fact, a number of athletes are vertically challenged, yet still cross over to become professionals. Mugsy Bogues, shown on the left, was a mere 5’3”, however this point guard managed to defy critics and maximized the utility of his small stature. He was easily the fastest player in the NBA at the time, and he also established himself as a superb stealer and passer. Physical limitations can be offset and overcome by skill and dedication, therefore the selection process should not be based on height, but talent.
nd it can start here today, simply by visiting our website." Due to the fact, that the most prestigious international athletic event will be held in London, the region wishes to produce more winners and also display an improvement in the various athletics teams, most notably in the sports aforementioned.
erefore projecting a disheartening message to persons whom may not be of a lofty stature. This program may shatter the dreams of many young aspiring athletes, some of whom may actually possess the skill and talent required to perform in elite sporting events, but simply lack the height. In fact, a number of athletes are vertically challenged, yet still cross over to become professionals. Mugsy Bogues, shown on the left, was a mere 5’3”, however this point guard managed to defy critics and maximized the utility of his small stature. He was easily the fastest player in the NBA at the time, and he also established himself as a superb stealer and passer. Physical limitations can be offset and overcome by skill and dedication, therefore the selection process should not be based on height, but talent. 
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