Developing Elite Athletes: A Content Analysis of US National Governing Body Systems

Every four years, countries from around the world send their best athletes to the Olympic Games. The purpose of this study was to identify the elements used by National Governing Bodies of the USOC in athlete development through a content analysis examining the High Performance Plans for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Findings from this study showed that USOC NGBs utilized facilities, coaches and sport professionals, not only at the USOC Training Centers, but regional venues at various levels of athlete development. Few NGBs utilized a true athlete identification system and depended heavily on services provided by the USOC.