Do elite sports systems mean more Olympic medals? Research Completed
Title
Do elite sports systems mean more Olympic medals?
Lead Author
Martin, S., Arin, K. P., Palakshappa, N. N. & Chetty, S.
Organisation(s)
Massey University, Department of Commerce
Publication Year
2005
Publisher
Massey University
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Abstract
In this paper the authors use the original data set of Bernard & Busse with the addition of a new dummy variable for countries with elite sports systems to determine the effect of these systems on Olympic success. For the purpose of this paper an elite sport system is a directed and calculated approach designed to produce athletes that win at the international level of sport. This approach encompasses the use of sports science, sports medicine, talent identification, and coaching targeted at the development of elite athletes. Elite athletes are those athletes that compete at international level for their countries. The authors discuss the literature on the methods for determining Olympic success. They then examine the literature on statistical methods to calculate Olympic medal success, and outline the methodology used for this study. The results show that the existence of elite sports systems positively affects the total numbers of medals won, but not the total number of gold medals won. They explain this by suggesting that the extraordinary talent required in winning a gold medal cannot be surpassed by the employment of an elite sports system.
Keywords:
Performance, Olympic, Victory, Success, Medal, Elite
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June 29, 2012