Pathways to the Podium Research Project
An investigation of the development of sport expertise
In recent times, a considerable amount of attention has been directed towards identifying
the secret formula for achieving success in a variety of domains. While researchers
have been investigating the science of success for many years, discussion surrounding
the pre-
The Pathways to the Podium Research Project was designed to add to this discussion by furthering our knowledge regarding the factors that appear to be associated with the development of sport expertise. In particular, the Pathways to the Podium Research Project is interested in how patterns of participation in sport throughout childhood and adolescence differ between international level athletes and athletes competing at lower representative levels. Specific areas of investigation include patterns of participation in a variety of practice and competition activities for the athlete’s main sport, patterns of involvement in other organised sports and playful sporting games, and the time course of attainment of significant sporting milestones. The Project will also investigate a number of contextual factors that may be associated with sport expertise development such as birth order and familial involvement in sport and physical activity.
It is expected that the results and recommendations arising from the Pathways to the Podium Research Project will be of interest to athletes, coaches, parents, sport scientists, and sport administrators, who can utilise the recommendations to enhance the sport learning environment, maximise the potential for athletic success, and guide sport policy and programs.
The Pathways to the Podium Research Project
Research Overview