ABSTRACT
The Netherlands is highly successful in long track speed skating. To understand how a small country can be great at the international level, we describe how the Dutch organize their talent development programs. We examine how studies based on the Groningen Sport Talent Model (GSTM) provide input for sports practice. In addition, the head coach of the national talent development programs explains how insight in performance development and its underlying, multidimensional performance characteristics (i.e., anthropometrics, physiological, technical, tactical, psychological skills) helps in processes of talent selection and development. Finally, advice is formulated for policy-makers and coaches.
