ABSTRACT
The past few decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in top-level, world-ranked results achieved by young athletes between the ages of 8 and 16. Although most notable in swimming and gymnastics, the trend of people entering serious training and organized competition at ever-decreasing ages now pervades most athletic activities. High expectations and the imperative of a good result, combined with extremely competitive surroundings, often place very young athletes under enormous physical and psychological pressure, driving them not only toward the fulfillment of their own dreams and ambitions, but often to the point of assuming responsibility for their parents’ and coaches’ ambitions as well. Consequently, young athletes undertake prolonged and intensive training schedules, often under the supervision of private coaches.
