Determinantes de desempenho para identificação e desenvolvimento de talentos no triatlo olímpico abrangendo uma perspectiva de treinadores brasileiros

Abstract

There is a need in the literature to identify the determinants of performance in the Olympic Triathlon and, mainly, which of these determinants are most important for the detection and identification of potential talents for this sport in Brazil. The objective of this work was to conduct a literature review on the performance determinants for the Olympic Triathlon and for the detection and identification of talents in this sport, in addition to investigating how Brazilian triathlon coaches identify talents and what is the importance of different factors and indicators for the development of young triathletes. The following performance indicators, by performance factor, were identified in the Literature Review: Physical motor: High VO2máx relative to weight and an anaerobic threshold close to this parameter. VO2máx is weight-related as the main measurement instrument for talent detection and identification. Technical: technique improved of the cyclic gesture of each discipline, especially in swimming. Psychological: high level of motivation, dedication, anxiety control and ability to concentrate. Anthropometric: high height and wingspan, large dimensions of hands and feet and low percentage of fat. The latter should have one of the least relevance in the case of talent detection and identification. Tactical: know the best moments to accelerate in swimming and make the most of the vacuum in swimming and cycling, especially in the latter. Environmental: family support, existence of athlete in the family and presence of the coach. Regarding the research with Brazilian coaches, 37 coaches (89% men; 36.2±8.3 years; 43% international competitive level) answered an online questionnaire about anthropometric, physical motor, technical, tactical, psychological and environmental characteristics. On a scale from 1 (nothing important) to 5 (extremely important), the coaches indicated to what extent a factor/indicator of sports potential was important for talent development in the Triathlon. Then, they should assign an order of importance to the factors, with (1st) being most important to (6th) least important. Coaches were also asked if they use any method to identify talent for Triathlon. 54.1% of coaches do not perform talent identification process. Those who perform it do so, mainly by physical motor tests and Triathlon simulations. In talent development, the physical-motor factor was the most important, followed by the technical, psychological and anthropometric factor, and finally the tactical and environmental factor. Most coaches considered the following indicators as extremely important: determination (70%), aerobic endurance (65%), specific swimming skills (62%), ability to withstand pressure (59%) and ability in the cyclical gesture of swimming, pedaling and running (57%). It is concluded that Brazilian triathlon coaches consider the physical motor factor the most important for the development of talented young triathletes, but not the only one and that more than half do not perform talent identification processes.