Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify anthropometric, physical, coordinative
and ice-skating specific characteristics that discriminate young elite ice skaters
from non-elite skaters and their non-skating peers. 32 skaters aged 9–12 years old
(11 elites and 21 non-elites) voluntarily participated in the study. They were submitted
to 5 anthropometric, 7 physical, 3 coordination and 5 ice-skating specific tests.
Reference values of a representative healthy non-skating sample were taken from the
Flemish Sports Compass dataset. Figure skaters appeared to be predominantly average
mature (93.8%), were lighter and leaner than the reference sample, and demonstrated
better physical characteristics and motor coordination. There was no difference between
the elite and non-elite group regarding maturity status and anthropometric or physical
parameters. Still, elite skaters scored better than non-elites on the coordination
tests jumping sideways and tended to do so on the moving sideways test. Profiles of
figure skaters differ clearly from a reference population, while non-sport-specific
motor coordination tests allow discrimination between elite and non-elite skaters.
The relevance of these findings with respect to talent detection and identification
in young ice skaters are discussed.
Key words
figure skating - talent identification - talent detection
