Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH

The aim of research is to examine and describe young individuals who participate in extended sport education program. The main focus concerns family influences on the development of the investigated youngsters´ sportive patterns. Data were collected through online and paper (whenever appropriate) questionnaires (elite sport training in secondary higher education – models of success in sport with pupils from a selection of sport schools in respective countries). Coaches from sports schools representing all participating countries (Poland, Sweden, Latvia, Russia and Belarus) were interviewed. The results indicate that the influence of parents and physical education teachers on the decision to join a sport club and to continue sport career is rather low. Main reasons behind joining a sport club are: the desire to become an athlete, sport idols, and the subjects’ own will. Staying in a sport club and pursuing a career is also determined by previous achievements in the field and good coaches. The parents´ past engagement in psychical activities was not systematic. The subjects consider local sport facilities and a number of accessible sport clubs and sports coaches to be of high importance at the early stage of their engagement in sport.

68 % of Swedish universities offer sport related courses or programs. Eight universities offer combinations of elite sport and higher education. four involves medical schools. One university accepts coaches as well as athletes on equal terms. Standards of attmittance of students are set on national team representation or championship level. The Swedish Track and Field Federation is the sole federation running their own project. The Sport Campus Sweden involves four universities and three communities. The total number of students enrolled ia approx. 425.

Seniorlandalaget 2009 utgjorde elitgruppen och som samtliga gått på riksidrottsgymnasium (RIG). Kontrollgruppen - likaledes från RIG - matchades parvis i variablerna ålder, kön och presterade resultat. Data samlades in under träningsläger och världscuptävlingar.

Resultat 

* Med ett undantag växte alla upp med båda sina biologiska föräldrar

* Elitgruppen var i betydligt större utsträckning födda tidigt på året

* Erfarenheter från RIG-åren vad gäller tränare skiljde i störst utsträckning de båda grupperna åt.

* Kontrollgruppens åkare var oftare sjuka eller skadade

The purpose of the study was to contribute to an explanation why Swedes of both sexes achieved great international success simultaniously in a small national sport such as biathlon. The elite group consisted of the male and female national team. A control group matched in pairs was identified in variables age, sex and athletic performance. All investigated athletes were products of the swedish Sport Academy System (RIG, upper secondary education). Data were collected via interviews with athletes, coaches and managers. Compared to the controls, elite athletes were more often born during the first quadrupal of the year, less injured and less sick during RIG years and experienced coaches more favourable in terms of acting and individualisation.

De som verkligen lyckas inom tävlingsidrotten får en uppmärksamhet som är få förunnade och belönas också därefter. Vad driver ungdomar till att försöka nå landslaget eller komma ännu längre? Får alla en rättmätig chans att kvalificera sig? Vilka är dessa ungdomar och hur kan de beskrivas?

The document contains certain guidelines for ski sport officials, coaches, persons responsible at school up to the families in order to set initiatives  for the promotion of the sport of skiing with children and young people.

Gian Franco Kasper, FIS President