Characterizing Sports Talent - Important Variables and Different Pathways

Talent research isn't new to the scientific community, namely in sport.The first appearance in the literature refers to Galtons' study of 1869.Although it is undeniable that the understanding of what talent is has advanced significantly over the years, it's also clear that there's a need to continue the research about this concept.In this short review, the aim was to understand the evolution of the conceptualization of talent in sport, as well as the main variables that can influence it, to which is added the relevance of understanding which development paths seem to be appropriate to achieve high levels of performance.Were analysed seven different studies, chosen by their diverse analysis focus and designs, that allow us to conclude that it is crucial to recognize the interaction between different influential factors for an adequate conceptualization of the term that allows, as a consequence, the structuring of profitable paths to promote sporting excellence.