What is it about?
In an era where government funding aims to support talented athletes to reach the highest levels of performance, this study compared the psychological characteristics of high-performing junior orienteers with those of current seniors when they were at the junior level and when funding was scarce. It found that the juniors in the Swiss programme were more reliant on others for support than the current crop of the senior world elite were when they were at the same stage of development. The paper discusses possible reasons for this and considers whether self-coaching, which many of the world elite were compelled to do, may actually have helped them to reach the levels that they have. The paper also discusses whether the sport of orienteering, itself, helps athletes to develop some of the psychological skills of developing excellence.
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Why is it important?
This was the first study of its kind to explore the psychological characteristics of developing excellence within orienteering. It uncovered an interesting aspect in that many of the world's best athletes reached the top with minimal coaching input. It poses further questions regarding the role of the coach in orienteering.
Perspectives
It would be interesting to understand whether and how desired psychological characteristics may be enhanced through enforced self-reliance as this could inform decisions and tactics that coaches employ with their athletes. In addition, it may bring greater awareness to the impact of certain coaching styles and behaviours.
Ms Jacqueline Newton
Manchester Metropolitan University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Psychological characteristics of champion orienteers: Should they be considered in talent identification and development?, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, February 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1747954116684392.
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