Despite the presence of adversity in the lives of athletic superstars, evidence to support the necessity of trauma for success at the highest levels is mixed. In comparison, the most recent data available from the NCAA suggests that only one in 2,500 high school athletes will turn professional. As one of the first researchers to suggest a potential link between sport talent and trauma, Collins has since co-authored at least one study in which exposure to trauma did not differentiate the best elite athletes (e.g., internationally ranked top three in their sport) from other elite athletes. Only one elite athlete in one study identified sexual abuse as a traumatic event that led to growth, though not necessarily success. Both Collins and Sarkar were quick to note that exposure to trauma should never be used as a talent identification tool, nor should trauma be imposed on developing athletes.

Source: Ethiopian News December 09, 2018 06:56 UTC