Dr. Mahfoud Amara
Sport performance and success are guided by science, policies and effective management. Spirituality and luck play a smaller role nowadays, as sports have evolved to incorporate more scientific approaches and predictive methodologies.
Every aspect of an athlete’s performance is meticulously calculated, leaving little to chance. From every step, move, to every breath taken, efficiency and endurance are optimised to achieve the desired goals, whether it be scoring a basket or crossing the finish line.
Modern sports revolve around strategy, positioning, stamina, pace, individual and collective efforts. Athletes are prepared mentally and physically before and after games, with performance analysis aided by technology, hyper-connectivity, and big data.
On a macro level, elite sports require funding and resource allocation based on feasibility and priority. Some sports face slim chances of winning medals and titles, limited to a few nations with competitive advantages in terms of funding, demographics, and specific morphological traits.
Additionally, certain sports demand more significant financial investments and sophisticated equipment. The sociological aspect also plays a role in an individual’s exposure to specific sports. For example, being born in Scandinavian countries exposes one to winter sports and outdoor activities from an early age, while being born in Brazil or Argentina surrounds one with football and other team sports. Similarly, Jamaican culture takes great pride in track and field, particularly short-distance running.
Culture and policy are pivotal in promoting sports at national and community levels, which leads to increased sport participation and talent identification for elite sport development.
Proper policy implementation starts from school sports, focusing on Physical Education and training of Physical Education Teachers, ensuring a balanced curriculum that serves both educational and sporting goals. Collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports is essential for establishing school sports and accommodating education for elite athletes, securing their integration into the job market.
Moreover, policies relating to community sports organization, funding, and management of sports facilities are crucial for nurturing talent. Accreditation, training, and certification of coaches, as well as their salary grades, play a significant role in creating a conducive environment for their careers and retirement.
Lastly, policies should be in place to support the career, retirement, and post-career phases of elite athletes, ensuring they have a decent quality of life and protection.
Dr. Mahfoud Amara is an Associate Professor in Sport Social Sciences and Management at Qatar University.
