es that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach tEver wonder why the best became best? Do top endurance athletes have anything in common? The following is based on research and anecdotal information from several top performers; Most top endurance athletes come from modest backgrounds - they did not get anything handed to them for free. This will foster and encourage the will-power and attitude that is required - hard work and commitment is a must. Many also grew up in rural areas, a very low percentage come from larger metropolitan areas. Growing up in rural areas gives the children and young athletes access to the outdoors and outdoor activities. These activities leads to a high volume of "unplanned / non-organized" training. As I've mentioned again and again, this type of training prepared the young athlete for the high volumes of work that would be required later. Also, it creates a love for outdoor activity and movement. Most endurance sports require both training and competition outdoors. As a young athlete the top performer is active in several sports, not specializing until around 16-17 years of age.

Interestingly enough, most are not "wonder-children" and did not appear to be "olympic caliber" before they reached 18-22 years. In fact, the "wonder children" tend to burn out and quit before reaching the level required to be successful as a senior. The jump is enourmous from the Junior class to the Senior level. Athletes that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach th

t is required - hard work and commitment is a must. Many also grew up in rural areas, a very low percentage come from larger metropolitan areas. Growing up in rural areas gives the children and young athletes access to the outdoors and outdoor activities. These activities leads to a high volume of "unplanned / non-organized" training. As I've mentioned again and again, this type of training prepared the young athlete for the high volumes of work that would be required later. Also, it creates a love for outdoor activity and movement. Most endurance sports require both training and competition outdoors. As a young athlete the top performer is active in several sports, not specializing until around 16-17 years of age.

Interestingly enough, most are not "wonder-children" and did not appear to be "olympic caliber" before they reached 18-22 years. In fact, the "wonder children" tend to burn out and quit before reaching the level required to be successful as a senior. The jump is enourmous from the Junior class to the Senior level. Athletes that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach t

ned again and again, this type of training prepared the young athlete for the high volumes of work that would be required later. Also, it creates a love for outdoor activity and movement. Most endurance sports require both training and competition outdoors. As a young athlete the top performer is active in several sports, not specializing until around 16-17 years of age.

Interestingly enough, most are not "wonder-children" and did not appear to be "olympic caliber" before they reached 18-22 years. In fact, the "wonder children" tend to burn out and quit before reaching the level required to be successful as a senior. The jump is enourmous from the Junior class to the Senior level. Athletes that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach t

nd 16-17 years of age.

Interestingly enough, most are not "wonder-children" and did not appear to be "olympic caliber" before they reached 18-22 years. In fact, the "wonder children" tend to burn out and quit before reaching the level required to be successful as a senior. The jump is enourmous from the Junior class to the Senior level. Athletes that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach t

es that are impatient and that lack the long-term view will not have the dedication to continue with the high volumes of training required. The young athlete that will become a top performer as a senior often shows strong attention to detail, focused training and the ability to set long-term goals. In a sport where you in most cases will not reach the top before you are between 25-32 years of age, it can be tough for a young competitor that is used to high placements as a Junior to continue with all the hard work required as senior when the results are not as "expected" during the first 3-4 years. The backing from home is also important - parents play a vital role.

Good attitudes and healthy values are created at home. Too much pressure to perform and reach results usually results in a burned-out ahtlete. Instead, top athletes come from families that encourage physical activity, good attitudes and a long-term view. The ability to find the positive and to turn everything into a motivational factor is an important value. Also, factors such as environment in the local club, the first coach and other infrastructural items affect the outcome of a young athlete.