ABSTRACT
The process of identifying and developing athletic talent has occurred ever since the spirit of competition and sport acquired a central position in Ancient Greece. Even prior to the ancient Olympics (776 BCE approximately), archaeological evidence suggests that state-dictated gymnasia within Greek cities acted as the first formalised schools where city youth were provided opportunities to develop their athletic skills for contests under the tutelage of physical trainers, philosophers and musicians (Ghristopoulos, 2003). In preparing for particular events (e.g., wrestling) at local or national festivals (e.g., Panathenaia) as well as religious events (e.g., Olympia), talented youth trained for admiration and the honour of victory.
